Sr. Structural Dynamics Engineer

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

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. Central Engineering is KLA's largest engineering organization comprised of 9 Centers-of-Excellence (CoE) in various disciplines applied across all product groups in the company. These CoE include Handling & Automation, Precision Motion Control, Sensors & Image Acquisition, Platform Design, and Packaging Engineering, among others. Talent includes over 500 engineers across global centers in Israel, China, India, and the US. Each CoE contributes not just talent and deliverables per discipline toward product programs, but also subject matter expertise, best practices, roadmaps, specialized facilities, apparatus, models, and analytics. These differentiate KLA not only in WHAT we do, but also in HOW we do it.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Are you an expert in vibration diagnostics and dynamic analysis, eager to advance the performance of ultraprecision mechatronics and motion systems at KLA? Do you thrive on the challenge of measuring, analyzing, and troubleshooting high-speed, high-accuracy hardware? Are you passionate about collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex dynamic problems in semiconductor inspection and metrology tools?

Join our Ann Arbor-based team, where you will play a pivotal role in characterizing, analyzing, and optimizing the dynamic behavior of cutting-edge mechatronics modules. This position offers the opportunity to deepen your expertise in vibration measurement, experimental modal analysis, and system troubleshooting—impacting the next generation of KLA’s high-performance tools.

What You’ll Do

• Lead vibration/NVH measurement and experimental modal analysis for precision mechatronic hardware.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot dynamic performance issues using advanced instrumentation.
• Develop and validate structural and dynamic models to interpret vibration test results and guide system improvements.
• Apply model-based analysis to predict and optimize system-level dynamic response.
• Collaborate with controls, mechanical, software, and optics teams to resolve vibration-related challenges.
• Support error budgeting, customer requirements, and design reviews with a focus on dynamic performance.
• Document test plans, measurement results, and troubleshooting actions for multi-site engineering teams.

What You Bring

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with vibration measurement, modal testing, and dynamic troubleshooting in high-performance mechatronics systems.
• Strong foundation in structural dynamics, vibrations, and control-system modeling.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for data analysis, signal processing, and visualization.
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA) to support vibration studies.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as dictated by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in high-precision motion systems, machine dynamics, or semiconductor equipment.
• Experience integrating vibration models and measurement data into controls or system-level design workflows.
• Strong analytical skills coupled with a passion for hands-on experimentation and troubleshooting.

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: $120,700.00 - $205,200.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.