Machinist – Manual Machining & Precision Assembly

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

Group/Division

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Manual Machinist / Precision Assembly Technician to support the manufacture, assembly, testing, and improvement of high-precision air bearing spindle systems. This position combines traditional machining skills with precision mechanical assembly, measurement, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation.

The successful candidate will machine, fit, assemble, inspect, and test precision mechanical components to tight tolerances. The role requires the ability to work independently from engineering drawings, process documentation, and assembly procedures while maintaining the highest standards of quality and workmanship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate manual machine tools including engine lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and honing, polishing, lapping, and finishing equipment.
• Perform fitting, alignment, assembly, and adjustment of high-precision air bearing spindle assemblies and related subassemblies.
• Measure and inspect components using precision metrology equipment including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height gauges, optical measuring equipment, and precision test instruments
• Assemble components to micron-level tolerances while ensuring proper fit and functionality.
• Conduct testing, performance verification.
• Analyze measurement and test data and make necessary mechanical adjustments to achieve performance specifications.
• Maintain accurate production records, inspection data, and test documentation using computer-based systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent machining experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of machining practices, tolerances, fits, and geometric relationships.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, GD&T, assembly drawings, process documentation, and bills of materials
• Experience with air bearing systems.
• Experience assembling spindles, motors, precision stages, or rotating equipment.
• Familiarity with semiconductor, aerospace, optics, medical device, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Knowledge of balancing, vibration testing, and performance testing.
• Basic understanding of electronics and electromechanical systems.
• Experience working with test stands and computerized measurement equipment.

Preferred Skills

Machining Skills: Manual lathe operation, manual milling machine operation, surface grinding, and precision drilling, reaming, and boring

Mechanical Assembly Skills: Precision assembly of mechanical systems

and assembly adjustment and tuning

Measurement & Inspection Skills: Tolerance verification, runout measurement, concentricity and alignment verification, and use of inspection and calibration equipment

Computer Skills: Basic computer proficiency, reviewing electronic drawings and work instructions, and recording inspection and test results

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to work with small precision components.
• Excellent visual acuity and attention to detail.

Key Success Factors

The ideal candidate is a hands-on craftsman who takes pride in producing high-quality precision work. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, patience, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to consistently assemble and verify products with micron-level precision.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of  1 - 2 years of related experience

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $20.77 - $35.29 Per Hour
Primary Location: USA-CA-Hayward-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.

Use of AI Statement 

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.