KLA · 4 hours ago
Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Vacuum Systems)(E)
Milpitas, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$141K/yr - $240K/yr
8+ years expKLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. As a Senior Vacuum Architect, you will own the end-to-end vacuum operation scheme, leading design reviews and ensuring the vacuum system enables world-class optical performance and reliability.
ElectronicsInformation TechnologyManufacturing
Responsibilities
Lead the mechanical design, integration, and validation of complex, multi‑chamber subsystems, ensuring structural stability, precision performance, and robust contamination control
Design and develop ultra‑clean vacuum system hardware, including chamber structures, interfaces, materials/finishes, seals, and internal components, applying UCV principles such as low‑outgassing materials, precision cleaning requirements, and contamination‑minimizing geometries
Develop mechanical concepts and detailed designs for chambers, frames, interfaces, mounts, enclosures, and precision mechanisms; create drawings, specifications, and requirements for cross‑functional teams
Drive structural, thermal, fluid, and vibrational analyses to optimize component performance and system stability
Collaborate closely with optics, metrology, electrical, controls/PLC, software, manufacturing, and service teams to ensure subsystem compatibility and seamless system‑level integration
Support vacuum‑related elements across chambers (e.g., main chamber, stage chamber, transfer chamber, etc.) by defining interfaces, mechanical constraints, and performance requirements that integrate with overall system design
Contribute to the development and documentation of vacuum operation schemes (pump‑down, roughing, purge, vent, bake/clean cycles), and partner with Controls/SE on interlocks and sequencing
Establish and maintain contamination‑control strategies—including materials selection, cleanliness/handling guidelines, and UCV‑grade component practices—working with Materials Engineering and Supply Chain to evaluate suppliers
Perform first‑order and detailed analyses for pumping configurations, conductance effects, and subsystem‑level performance impacts; collaborate with vacuum specialists as needed for deeper modeling
Lead mechanical and system‑level design reviews (CDR, DDR), ensuring design requirements flow correctly to partner teams (mechanical, electrical, opto‑mechanical, metrology, EFEM/loader, source)
Own integration of chambers and platform structures for vibration isolation, optical stability, and stage dynamic performance
Plan, execute, and oversee test activities—prototype chambers, subsystem test stands, and pre‑factory builds—including instrumentation, test methods, data analysis, and acceptance metrics
Manage risk through FMEA, issue tracking, corrective actions, and design‑for‑reliability improvements across NPI and into HVM
Mentor engineers, establish best practices (DfX, contamination handling, documentation standards), and maintain engineering artifacts and decision rationale for long‑term R&D continuity
Qualification
Required
Education: MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Applied Physics, Materials Science, EE, etc.)
Experience: 8–12+ years in mechanical design and integration of complex systems (semiconductor equipment, precision instrumentation, multi‑chamber tools, or equivalent). Experience collaborating on vacuum operation schemes and PLC‑controlled interlocks is a plus but not required as a primary role
Technical depth: Strong foundation in mechanical engineering—precision design, structural/thermal/vibration analysis, contamination control, materials/finishes, and system‑level integration. Familiarity with vacuum principles (pumping, conductance, gauging, cleanliness) desired
Tools: Proficiency in 3D CAD/PLM workflows; experience with analysis tools (ANSYS/COMSOL or similar); scripting (Python/Matlab) for data processing and modeling; collaboration with PLC/HMI teams
Soft skills: Demonstrated cross‑functional leadership, clear technical communication, supplier interaction, issue‑resolution ownership, and mentoring experience
Minimum Qualifications: Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years
Preferred
Exposure to EUV‑compatible materials, optical contamination control, or reticle handling/transfer systems
Background with precision metrology, multi‑column imaging systems, or high‑stability mechanical architectures
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life
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
Paid company holidays
Family care and bonding leave
Company
KLA
Kla creates tools and services that promote innovation in the electronics industry.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
KLA has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (343)
2024 (218)
2023 (191)
2022 (277)
2021 (200)
2020 (226)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Lisa Grunwald
FISH Philosophy CEO
Rick Wallace
President & CEO
Recent News
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines
2025-08-01
2025-08-01
Company data provided by crunchbase