KLA Tencor

Senior Systems Design Engineer

KLA Tencor$159K — $271K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong foundation in mechatronics or engineering with systems problem-solving expertise.
  • Hands-on experience designing and integrating mechatronic systems, including motion control and sensors.
  • Experience with precision mechanical systems focusing on performance stability and tolerancing.
  • Familiarity with control systems, including PID control and servo tuning principles.
  • Demonstrated ownership and independent decision-making for complex systems.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and programming, preferably Python or similar languages.
  • Successful collaboration in cross-functional product development teams.

Responsibilities

  • Design and prototype mechatronic subsystems ensuring performance and reliability.
  • Lead system-level integration of mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Develop and optimize motion control systems involving motors and feedback loops.
  • Participate in the full product lifecycle development for current and next-gen products.
  • Perform system modeling and dynamic analysis focusing on mechanical stability.
  • Collaborate with teams to define system requirements and interfaces.
  • Drive improvements in system performance and cost efficiency.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
  • 401(K) with company matching contributions.
  • Employee stock purchase program (ESPP).
  • Tuition reimbursement and student debt assistance programs.
  • Development and career growth opportunities.
  • Wellness benefits, including an employee assistance program (EAP).
  • Paid time off and holidays, along with family care leave.
Full Job Description
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-ray-based solutions.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in mechatronic system design-combining 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; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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.

About KLA Tencor

KLA Corporation is a global capital equipment company that provides process control solutions for semiconductor and related industries. The Company's products are also used in a number of other high technology industries, including the packaging, light emitting diode (LED), power device and compound semiconductor markets. Its products and services are used by bare wafer, integrated circuit (IC), lithography reticle (reticle or mask) and disk manufacturers around the world. The Company's inspection and metrology products and related offerings are categorized in various groups, including Chip Manufacturing, Wafer Manufacturing, Reticle Manufacturing, LED, Power Device and Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing, Data Storage Media/Head Manufacturing, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Manufacturing, and General Purpose/Lab Applications.
Learn more about KLA Tencor
Size
11,300 employees
Market Cap
$52 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1997
5 Year Trend
+21.5%
Revenue
$6 billion
NASDAQ

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