Controls and Automation Engineer (PLC Controls)

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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Responsibilities

• This individual will utilize his/her skills in PLC Controls in design, development, and implementation of advanced PLC control systems for safety and automation on next-generation inspection platforms.
• Own development from requirements gathering through delivery and support for complex mechanical and electrical automation needs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Collaborate in the development and maintenance of electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Develop, optimize, and deploy PLC control systems using SW development tools such as Beckhoff TwinCAT/TwinSAFE and Rockwell Studio 5000 and related safety automation software.
• Conduct formal and informal code and design reviews and ensuring adherence to architectural and design principles.
• Analyze and improve software architecture for performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Define test strategies, develop test criteria, and validate systems for efficiency, safety, and robustness.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis, implementing long-term corrective actions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and external vendors to deliver high-quality automation and safety solutions.
• Provide technical support during global customer site installations, including hands-on commissioning and support.
• Work in clean-room environments as needed (10%-20%).

Qualifications and Required Skills

• 5+ years of experience in PLC programming and automation systems.
• Expert-level proficiency in Beckhoff TwinCAT/TwinSAFE and EtherCAT-based architectures.
• Strong understanding of IEC 61131-3 programming standards, ISO 13849-1 safety standards, and real-time control systems.

• Experience integrating SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition) with Beckhoff and Allen-Bradley PLCs.

• Experience developing medium/large scale PLC systems.
• Proven ability to design and implement complex safety systems for industrial automation.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Highly self-motivated, with a demonstrated ability to deliver production-quality solutions for mission-critical applications.

Preferred but not required
• Certification in Beckhoff TwinCAT/TwinSAFE, Rockwell Allen-Bradley, or equivalent advanced PLC platforms.

• Knowledgeable in Rockwell Allen-Bradley and Ethernet/IP-based architectures.

• Experience leading multi-developer teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Familiarity with SEMI standards and CapEx equipment in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with Python scripting for automation and data handling.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Base Pay Range: $130,400.00 - $221,700.00 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 [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.