At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to design and develop innovative mechanical components for vacuum systems.
- Company: KLA, a leading tech company in Newport, Wales, fostering collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with travel opportunities and a focus on early-career development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; CAD modelling experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
KLA is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Central Engineering team based in Newport, Wales, UK. This role is ideal for someone early in their engineering career who is motivated to learn, grow, and contribute to real‑world, high‑impact engineering work. You’ll be part of a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary team tackling complex challenges in vacuum system technology across multiple product platforms. With guidance from experienced engineers, you’ll develop hands‑on skills in mechanical design, CAD modelling, testing, and problem‑solving while supporting the development of next‑generation KLA tools.
Key Responsibilities
- Support project teams with the design and development of mechanical components and sub‑systems for vacuum platforms.
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models and engineering drawings, following established standards and best practices.
- Assist with vacuum calculations and basic engineering analyses to help ensure system designs meet requirements.
- Take part in design reviews, learning how to incorporate feedback and improve design quality.
- Help evaluate new materials and components for use in ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) and ultra‑clean vacuum (UCV) environments.
- Support laboratory testing, inspection, and validation activities, including work in cleanroom or controlled environments.
- Assist with quality checks of incoming parts from suppliers to confirm they meet specifications.
- Contribute to clear, well‑organised engineering documentation.
- Collaborate with colleagues across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Receive mentoring, training, and ongoing feedback to help build confidence and technical capability as your career develops.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline or equivalent level of experience.
- Experience with 3D CAD modelling tools (experience with PTC Creo / Pro‑Engineer a plus, but not required).
- Understanding of engineering drawings and introductory knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Interest in precision engineering, vacuum systems, or high‑technology hardware development.
- Willingness to learn analytical methods such as thermal, fluid, or structural analysis with support from senior team members.
- Comfortable working in laboratory or cleanroom environments.
- Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills.
- Ability to work well within a diverse, multi‑disciplinary, and multicultural team.
Desirable Experience
- Internship, placement year, or academic project experience in mechanical design or hardware development.
- Exposure to vacuum technology, semiconductor equipment, or clean manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with engineering analysis or simulation tools.
Additional Information
- Occasional travel may be required to collaborate with other KLA sites or suppliers (up to 25%).
- We support early‑career development through structured onboarding, mentoring, and learning opportunities.
Our Benefits Package
- Annual leave starting at 25 days (plus bank holidays), contributory pension scheme, global bonus plan, cash health plan, cycle to work scheme, share scheme, rewards scheme, and life assurance.
KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Locations
Mechanical Design Engineer in Newport, Wales employer: KLA
KLA is an exceptional employer for aspiring Mechanical Design Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment in Newport, Wales, where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, KLA provides structured onboarding, mentoring, and hands-on experience in cutting-edge engineering projects, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme. Join a diverse team dedicated to tackling complex challenges in vacuum technology while developing your skills in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer in Newport, Wales
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend engineering meetups, workshops, or even online webinars. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a portfolio showcasing your CAD models, designs, and any projects you've worked on. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your hands-on skills to potential employers. Make sure to share it when you apply through our website!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by practising common engineering questions and thinking about how your experiences relate to the role. Don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team and projects – it shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Follow Up
After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer in Newport, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Design Engineer role. Highlight relevant experiences, especially any projects or internships related to mechanical design or vacuum systems. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for engineering and why you’re excited about this opportunity at KLA. Share specific examples of your skills and how they relate to the job description. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your experience with CAD tools and any knowledge of engineering principles. If you've worked on any relevant projects, be sure to include those details. We’re keen to see how you can contribute to our team right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at KLA. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at KLA
✨Know Your CAD Tools
Make sure you brush up on your 3D CAD modelling skills, especially if you have experience with PTC Creo or Pro-Engineer. Be ready to discuss any projects where you've used these tools and how they helped you solve design challenges.
✨Understand the Basics of Vacuum Systems
Familiarise yourself with vacuum technology and its applications in engineering. Being able to talk about your understanding of vacuum calculations and how they relate to mechanical design will show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare for Design Reviews
Think about past experiences where you received feedback on your designs. Be prepared to discuss how you incorporated that feedback to improve your work. This shows you're open to learning and collaboration, which is key in a multi-disciplinary team.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
Express your eagerness to develop your skills in areas like thermal, fluid, or structural analysis. Mention any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your foundational knowledge and your commitment to growing in the field.