Division Product Development Applications Manager - Semiconductors

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. The Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) division delivers industry-leading metrology solutions essential to advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Its portfolio includes systems for measuring film thickness, critical dimensions, composition, and resistivity—key to developing and scaling next-gen IC processes. FaST partners closely with customers from early R&D through high-volume production, ensuring performance and process alignment.

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.

Job Summary**
As the Division Product Development Applications Manager for Semiconductors at KLA Corporation, you will lead a team of applications engineers responsible for driving the successful adoption and optimization of KLA's cutting-edge semiconductor process control solutions. This role requires a strong blend of technical expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, customer engagement, and leadership to influence product roadmaps and ensure customer success.
Job Responsibilities**
* Lead and manage a team of product development applications engineers, including performance management, career development, and technical guidance.
* Drive the definition and execution of applications strategies for new product introductions and existing product enhancements, ensuring alignment with market needs and customer requirements.
* Collaborate closely with R&D, marketing, and sales teams to translate customer challenges and market trends into compelling product requirements and use cases.
* Act as a technical expert and primary interface with key customers to understand their process flows, identify critical pain points, and propose optimal KLA solutions.
* Oversee the development and delivery of technical presentations, white papers, and application notes to effectively communicate product value propositions.
* Guide the team in conducting complex product evaluations, competitive analyses, and performance benchmarks to demonstrate KLA's differentiation.
* Proactively identify and address technical barriers to product adoption, working with engineering teams to resolve issues and improve product usability.
* Contribute to the strategic planning process for the division, providing insights on market trends, competitive landscape, and customer needs.
* Ensure the team maintains a high level of technical expertise and stays abreast of advancements in semiconductor manufacturing processes and metrology.
Job Qualifications**
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field. PhD preferred.
* Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, with a strong background in process engineering, integration, or product development.
* At least 3-5 years of experience in a leadership or management role, leading technical teams.
* Deep understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes (e.g., lithography, etch, deposition, CMP) and associated metrology/inspection techniques.
* Proven ability to interact effectively with customers at all levels, from engineers to senior management, understanding their technical challenges and business needs.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable conclusions.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
* Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive consensus.
* Prior experience with KLA products or similar process control equipment is a significant plus.
* Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required (up to 25%).

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications/ Education Desired

Candidate must have MS, or PHD in Engineering, Physics, Material Science or related fields with at least 8 years experience in semiconductor metrology related job. Computational modeling knowledge and IC processing/Semiconductor equipment understanding are a plus. Must have excellent communication, organizational, analytical, leadership, and interpersonal skill.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 12 years of experience.
OR
Master's Level Degree with at least 10 years of experience.
OR
Doctorate (Academic) with at least 8 years of 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: $173,300.00 - $254,167.00 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.

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.