Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Sr. Vacuum Architect)

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 world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s 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, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s 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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

KLA is launching its most advanced reticle inspection tool, built on a multi zone, ultra clean vacuum (UCV) architecture. As a Senior Vacuum Architect, you will own the end to end vacuum operation scheme—from architecture and contamination control strategy to pump down/vent/transfer sequencing, interlocks, and factory acceptance criteria. You will lead cross functional design reviews, translate platform requirements into subsystem specifications, and ensure the vacuum system enables world class optical performance, reliability, and high volume manufacturability.  Aligned to the internal Vacuum System Design Review process and architecture-level responsibilities for a designated Vacuum System Architect.

Qualifications

• Education: MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, EE, or related discipline.

• Experience: 8–12+ years designing and operating UHV/UCV systems in complex, multi‑chamber tools (semiconductor or equivalent precision instrumentation). Demonstrated ownership of vacuum operation schemes and PLC‑controlled interlocks for high‑reliability platforms. (Practice areas reflected in KLA’s vacuum architecture materials.

• Technical depth: Pumping/conductance modeling, contamination control (hydrocarbon, particles), hydrogen/ozone processes, getters/TMP selection, vacuum gauging, GCMS methods, materials/finishes for UCV, and vibration/isolation fundamentals.

• Tools: Proficiency in system modeling (e.g., COMSOL/ANSYS or equivalent), scripting for analysis (Python/Matlab), PLC/HMI collaboration, and CAD/PLM workflows.

• Soft skills: Cross‑functional leadership, clear technical writing, supplier engagement, and mentoring.

Nice‑to‑Have

• Experience with EUV‑compatible materials, reticle handling/transfer, and optical contamination control.

• Background in precision metrology systems and multi‑column imaging platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years;

Base Pay Range: $134,800.00 - $229,200.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 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 KLA’s 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.