Customer Engagement Applications Engineer

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

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.

Job Description

As a Field Applications Engineer at KLA, you will serve as the trusted technical leader and primary interface between KLA and our customers, driving successful deployment, adoption, and competitive differentiation of KLA’s overlay metrology solutions. This role requires a self‑motivated engineer with strong technical depth, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead complex customer engagements independently.

• Serve as the primary technical interface between KLA and customer
• Deliver applications support for KLA’s overlay metrology tools at customer fabrication facilities.
• Lead customer engagements including product evaluations, new tool introductions, and drive competition.
• Drive customer success by conducting acceptance tests, recipe development, hands-on training, and pre-sales technical enablement.
• Cultivate strong customer relationships by understanding their technical needs, aligning solutions, and ensuring satisfaction through onsite support.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to co-author technical papers and present at global industry symposiums.
• Develop and share Best Known Methods (BKMs), SOP ( Standard Operating Procedures ) materials, and technical documentation to empower global Field Applications teams.
• Act as a cross-functional bridge, aligning customer feedback with engineering, sales, and marketing to drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze complex technical issues, apply statistical methods, and deliver innovative, data-driven solutions.
• Report regional insights and escalate field issues to product divisions, ensuring timely resolution and product evolution

Desired Attributes

• Highly self‑motivated, accountable, and comfortable operating independently in a customer‑facing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, including the ability to lead customer engagements, mentor peers, and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Proven problem‑solving skills and comfort working in fast‑paced semiconductor manufacturing environments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 2 years.
• English fluency.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in a STEM field

Experience coding in a technical language (Python, Matlab, etc.)

Experience in semiconductor fabrication

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 2 years

Base Pay Range: $83,100.00 - $141,300.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-OR-Hillsboro-Beaverton-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.