Design Engineer Jobs at KLA with Visa Sponsorship
Design Engineer jobs at KLA sit at the intersection of semiconductor equipment development and precision manufacturing, covering areas like optics, mechanical systems, and process integration. KLA has a well-established sponsorship infrastructure that supports international engineers across multiple visa categories, from OPT through long-term pathways.
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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 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
We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of precision mechanical systems for advanced semiconductor equipment. In this role, you will translate product requirements into robust design solutions, drive feasibility and analysis activities, and partner cross-functionally to bring complex subsystems from concept through release. The ideal candidate combines solid mechanical engineering fundamentals, hands-on design experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative development environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive product and subsystem requirements definition and specification.
- Conduct feasibility studies to evaluate design concepts, risks, and tradeoffs.
- Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and models using 3D CAD tools such as Pro/ENGINEER or Creo.
- Perform engineering analyses, including fluid, thermal, vibration, and finite element analysis (FEA).
- Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles to support robust design intent.
- Complete detailed tolerance stack-up analyses to validate performance and manufacturability.
- Lead and facilitate design reviews throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Coordinate procurement of prototype components and materials.
- Support prototype assembly, integration, and testing activities.
- Execute system-level integration and verification testing.
- Create assembly instructions and test procedures to support development and manufacturing readiness.
- Prepare documentation for release and ensure effective handoff to manufacturing.
- Collaborate closely with optics, systems, manufacturing, and service engineering teams to ensure seamless subsystem and system integration.
- Partner with suppliers to define requirements, monitor progress, and ensure design objectives are met.
- Identify and resolve product issues across all phases of the product lifecycle.
Typical Design Challenges
- Precision mechanical design involving large and complex tolerance stack-ups
- Design for ultra-high vacuum environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal forming, and additive manufacturing.
- Solid knowledge of precision machine design principles.
- Solid understanding of statics, mechanics of materials, fluid flow, and heat transfer.
- Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling; Creo or SolidWorks preferred.
- Familiarity with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, welding, and cast components.
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, including design principles, machine elements, materials, and fabrication methods.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: opto-mechanical systems, vacuum systems, inspection equipment or similar instrumentation, motion control, electronics, tooling and test fixture design, supplier management, new product introduction, or manufacturing support.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to team objectives.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced semiconductor development environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 0 years, Master's Level Degree or work experience of 2 years, Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 3 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.
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 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
We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of precision mechanical systems for advanced semiconductor equipment. In this role, you will translate product requirements into robust design solutions, drive feasibility and analysis activities, and partner cross-functionally to bring complex subsystems from concept through release. The ideal candidate combines solid mechanical engineering fundamentals, hands-on design experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative development environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive product and subsystem requirements definition and specification.
- Conduct feasibility studies to evaluate design concepts, risks, and tradeoffs.
- Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical designs, drawings, and models using 3D CAD tools such as Pro/ENGINEER or Creo.
- Perform engineering analyses, including fluid, thermal, vibration, and finite element analysis (FEA).
- Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles to support robust design intent.
- Complete detailed tolerance stack-up analyses to validate performance and manufacturability.
- Lead and facilitate design reviews throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Coordinate procurement of prototype components and materials.
- Support prototype assembly, integration, and testing activities.
- Execute system-level integration and verification testing.
- Create assembly instructions and test procedures to support development and manufacturing readiness.
- Prepare documentation for release and ensure effective handoff to manufacturing.
- Collaborate closely with optics, systems, manufacturing, and service engineering teams to ensure seamless subsystem and system integration.
- Partner with suppliers to define requirements, monitor progress, and ensure design objectives are met.
- Identify and resolve product issues across all phases of the product lifecycle.
Typical Design Challenges
- Precision mechanical design involving large and complex tolerance stack-ups
- Design for ultra-high vacuum environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal forming, and additive manufacturing.
- Solid knowledge of precision machine design principles.
- Solid understanding of statics, mechanics of materials, fluid flow, and heat transfer.
- Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling; Creo or SolidWorks preferred.
- Familiarity with fabrication methods including machining, sheet metal, welding, and cast components.
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, including design principles, machine elements, materials, and fabrication methods.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: opto-mechanical systems, vacuum systems, inspection equipment or similar instrumentation, motion control, electronics, tooling and test fixture design, supplier management, new product introduction, or manufacturing support.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to team objectives.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.
- Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced semiconductor development environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 0 years, Master's Level Degree or work experience of 2 years, Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 3 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.
See all Design Engineer Jobs at KLA
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Design Engineer Jobs at KLA.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Design Engineer Jobs at KLA
Align your degree to KLA's specialty occupation standard
KLA's Design Engineer roles typically require a degree in mechanical, electrical, or optical engineering. Confirm your transcripts reflect coursework that maps directly to the role's technical scope, since USCIS scrutinizes degree-to-job-duty alignment closely for H-1B petitions.
Target KLA's semiconductor equipment product lines
KLA hires Design Engineers across metrology, inspection, and process control equipment divisions. Tailoring your resume to a specific product line, rather than applying broadly, increases your fit signal and helps recruiters match you to teams with active headcount.
Start OPT early if you're on an F-1 visa
F-1 students applying to KLA should file for OPT at least 90 days before graduation. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, which covers two full H-1B lottery cycles if your first registration isn't selected.
Clarify your H-1B timeline before accepting an offer
If you're between OPT and H-1B status, confirm KLA's intended filing period with your recruiter before signing. The H-1B cap season opens in March and employment can begin October 1, so your start date needs to account for that federal processing window.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open Design Engineer roles by sponsorship
Finding roles where KLA is actively hiring and sponsoring takes more than a general job board search. Use Migrate Mate to surface Design Engineer positions at KLA filtered by the visa types relevant to your situation, so you're only applying where sponsorship is confirmed.
Prepare for a PERM-backed Green Card conversation at offer stage
KLA's sponsorship track extends to Green Card pathways for engineering roles through PERM labor certification. If long-term permanent residency is a priority, ask your recruiter directly at the offer stage whether the role is eligible, since not all positions qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does KLA sponsor H-1B visas for Design Engineers?
Yes, KLA sponsors H-1B visas for Design Engineers. The company has a consistent track record of filing H-1B petitions for engineering roles across its semiconductor equipment divisions. If you're a current F-1 OPT holder or a candidate already on H-1B visa status, KLA's recruiting process is structured to accommodate both cap-subject filings and transfer petitions.
Which visa types does KLA support for Design Engineer roles?
KLA supports multiple visa categories for Design Engineers, including H-1B, F-1 OPT and CPT, TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals, J-1 visa, and EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card pathways. The right visa depends on your nationality, education, and career stage. TN visa is available to Canadians and Mexicans with engineering degrees under USMCA, while EB-2 and EB-3 require PERM labor certification sponsored by KLA.
What qualifications does KLA expect for Design Engineer positions?
KLA's Design Engineer roles typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical, electrical, optical, or systems engineering. Hands-on experience with CAD tools, tolerance analysis, or hardware design for precision equipment is commonly expected. Roles tied to metrology or inspection systems may require familiarity with optics or semiconductor manufacturing processes. A graduate degree can strengthen your profile for senior-level openings.
How do I apply for Design Engineer jobs at KLA?
You can browse and apply for Design Engineer roles at KLA directly through the KLA careers portal, or use Migrate Mate to find open positions filtered by visa sponsorship type so you can identify roles where your work authorization is supported before applying. When applying, tailor your resume to the specific product division, whether that's wafer inspection, metrology, or process control, and highlight relevant hardware design or semiconductor equipment experience.
How do I time my application if I'm waiting on an H-1B lottery result?
If you're on F-1 OPT and registered in the H-1B lottery, align your KLA application timeline so you have an offer in place before the March registration window. USCIS selects registrations in March and April, and approved petitions take effect October 1. KLA's HR teams are familiar with this cycle, so being transparent about your status early helps recruiters plan your start date accordingly.