Senior Systems Design Engineer

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop smartphone wearable device voice-controlled gadget flexible screen VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles integrated circuits packaging printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists engineers data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the worlds leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrows electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design KLAs Global Products Group (GPG) which is responsible for creating all of KLAs metrology and inspection products is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist software engineers application development engineers and senior product technology process engineers. The Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) Division provides industry leading metrology solutions for worldwide semiconductor IC manufacturers. The FaST Division portfolio of metrology products includes hardware and software solutions for optical film thickness optical critical dimension (CD) composition and resistivity measurement systems. These products are essential for the IC manufacturers as they provide critical metrology capabilities for the development and implementation of their advanced IC processes. The FaST division is committed to support our customers to achieve performance entitlement of our solution and we effectively partner with our customers from their early research and development phase to the high volume in-line manufacturing implementation specific for their process needs. The division consists of a global team located in US Israel China and India.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Job description:

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on System Design Engineer to join our team focusing on the development and enhancement of advanced metrology systems including X-raybased solutions.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mechatronic system designcombining precision mechanics motion control sensors with strong system-level thinking and practical experience in product development system integration and advanced troubleshooting. This role requires the ability to rapidly prototype and independently develop innovative solutions while working closely with cross-functional teams to drive products from concept through high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design develop and prototype mechatronic subsystems including precision motion stages actuators sensors and control architectures ensuring performance reliability serviceability and manufacturability on system level.
• Lead system-level integration of mechanical electrical and control systems ensuring seamless interaction between hardware and data flows.
• Develop and optimize motion control systems including motors (servo/stepper) encoders feedback loops and real-time control strategies
• Participate in full product life cycle (PLC) development for current and next-generation products
• Perform system modeling dynamic analysis and error budgeting with emphasis on mechanical stability vibration and positioning accuracy
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical electrical software manufacturing and service) to define requirements architecture and interfaces
• Drive performance improvement cost reduction and reliability enhancement.
• Develop and deploy data analysis and automation solutions (e.g. Python-based tools) to improve engineering productivity and system insight
• Create and maintain detailed documentation including design reviews specifications and test/validation plans
• Provide technical support and root cause analysis for manufacturing ramps field issues and customer escalations.
• Partner with external vendors and suppliers to develop and qualify motors sensors actuators and precision mechanical components.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong foundation in mechatronics mechanical engineering electrical engineering or related field with system-level problem-solving capability
• Proven hands-on experience designing and integrating mechatronic systems (motion control actuators sensors and control electronics)
• Experience with precision mechanical systems (alignment vibration thermal stability tolerancing)
• Familiarity with control systems and feedback loops (PID control servo tuning system dynamics)
• Demonstrated ownership of complex systems and independent technical decision-making
• Proficiency in data analysis and programming (Python or equivalent)
• Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and communication skills
• Up to 20% global travel required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-precision motion systems used in semiconductor or metrology equipment
• Experience with X-ray metrology scattering techniques or electron/ion-based systems
• Experience developing hardware for the semiconductor capital equipment industry

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Masters Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelors Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range: $159500.00 - $271200.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLAs total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical dental vision life and other voluntary benefits 401(K) including company matching employee stock purchase program (ESPP) student debt assistance tuition reimbursement program development and career growth opportunities and programs financial planning benefits wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP) paid time off and paid company holidays and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role level and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors including state minimum pay wage rates location job-related skills experience and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at or at 1- to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview to become an employee or for equipment. Further KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLAs Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication an interview an offer of employment or that an employee is not legitimate please send an email to to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.