Product Development Engineer

Posted 8 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Milpitas, CA, USA
In-Office
118K-200K Annually
Senior level
Hardware
The Role
Develops and advances semiconductor inspection and metrology equipment. Responsibilities include diagnosing and troubleshooting optics, opto-mechanics, precision motion control, and computing hardware systems; analyzing complex industrial equipment; applying MATLAB, Python, JMP, and optical design tools; performing image analysis; communicating technical guidance; and preparing technical summaries for customers and colleagues.
Summary Generated by Built In

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 Broadband Plasma (BBP) division is the market-leading optical inspection system used by logic, foundry, and memory customers to detect critical defects at advanced nodes. These tools combine broadband plasma technology with unmatched sensitivity and speed to support high-volume manufacturing.

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.


  • Strong background in engineering or the physical science and demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in two or more of the following areas: Optics, opto-mechanics, precision motion control systems, and computing hardware systems.
  • Understanding of Optical, Electromechanical and Software systems and their interactions in the context of complex industrial equipment is a plus.
  • Experience with one or more of the scientific and statistical analysis and SW tools such as Matlab, Python, JMP, is required.
  • Experience with Zemax and other optical design SW is a plus.
  • Enthusiastic communicator to provide detailed guidance to colleagues to solve problems, and technical summaries for internal and external customers.
  • Familiarity with image analysis methods is nice plus.

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

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: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 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.

Skills Required

  • Engineering or physical science background
  • Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in at least two areas: optics, opto-mechanics, precision motion control systems, or computing hardware systems
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, or JMP
  • Doctorate degree with 0 years of related work experience, or master's degree with 3 years of related work experience, or bachelor's degree with 5 years of related work experience
  • Understanding of optical, electromechanical, and software systems and their interactions in complex industrial equipment
  • Experience with Zemax or other optical design software
  • Familiarity with image analysis methods
  • Strong communication skills for providing technical guidance and technical summaries

KLA Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about KLA and has not been reviewed or approved by KLA.

  • Retirement Support — U.S. programs include a formulaic 401(k) employer match with clearly described plan designs in company materials. Consistent plan structure and employer matching signal strong support for long‑term savings.
  • Equity Value & Accessibility — A broad base of employees is eligible for RSUs and can participate in an ESPP, extending ownership beyond executives. Company materials position equity as a core component of total compensation.
  • Strong & Reliable Incentives — A quarterly profit‑sharing program and performance bonuses are outlined in filings, providing regular variable pay opportunities. These incentives complement base pay and equity to lift overall earnings in strong periods.

KLA Insights

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The Company
HQ: Milpitas, CA
10,001 Employees

What We Do

KLA develops industry-leading equipment and services that enable innovation throughout the electronics industry. We provide advanced process control and process-enabling solutions for manufacturing wafers and reticles. In close collaboration with leading customers across the globe, our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers design solutions that move the world forward.

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