Mechanical Engineer (gas/water/vacuum systems)

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

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer (mid-level) to design and develop gas, water, and vacuum distribution systems for next-generation reticle inspection systems. This role focuses on fluid delivery and control architectures operating in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments, supporting system performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
You will work cross-functionally with systems, electrical, process, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust solutions from concept through production release.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop gas, liquid cooling (water), and vacuum distribution systems for UHV semiconductor equipment

• Create system architectures including piping/tubing layouts, manifolds, valves, regulators, and filtration components

• Perform flow, pressure, and thermal analyses to ensure system performance and stability

• Develop and release detailed CAD models, drawings, and BOMs using enterprise PLM systems

• Ensure designs meet UHV compatibility requirements (materials selection, cleanliness, leak integrity, outgassing)

• Conduct and support design reviews (PDR, CDR) and failure mode analysis (FMEA)

• Partner with suppliers to define specifications and qualify components (valves, fittings, pumps, sensors)

• Support prototype builds, integration, and system bring-up, including troubleshooting fluid/vacuum issues

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering to ensure DFM/DFA and scalable production

• Drive continuous improvement for reliability, cost, and serviceability of fluid systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems and contamination control

• Knowledge of EUV systems or semiconductor process equipment

• Experience with thermal management and cooling systems

• Familiarity with CFD or flow simulation tools

• Understanding of industry standards (e.g., SEMI, ASME B31.3 for piping where applicable)

• Experience working in NPI (New Product Introduction) environments

Key Competencies

• Systems thinking and ability to work across disciplines

• Attention to detail in high-precision environments

• Strong communication and technical documentation skills

• Ownership mindset from concept through release

What You’ll Work On

• High-performance vacuum and gas delivery architectures enabling EUV inspection

• Precision cooling systems for thermal stability at nanometer-level accuracy

• Complex integration challenges where mechanical, fluid, and vacuum systems intersect

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 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.