Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Base Pay Range: $125,100.00 - $212,700.00

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 identified below. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits identified below. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed above reflects the minimum and maximum pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

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

The senior optical engineer in the LS-Swift group will support current projects and also work on future generation products.  The successful candidate will have good physics knowledge of classical optics or good knowledge of laser development. The ideal candidate will support modeling of optical systems and optical phenomenon (such as thermal lensing and laser damage), create laboratory experiments to root cause optical path issues, and analyze data from the experiments. A key function of the senior engineer will be to work with the systems engineering group to create an overall error budget for the optical system.

This position will give the right candidate the opportunity to broaden his/ her skills to include

• Optical modeling (geometric optics and beam propagation)
• Image simulation
• Modeling of light sources
• Light level estimates
• Thermal lensing modeling
• Coating fabrication
• Coating laser damage
• Optical testing
• Optical specifications
• Vendor coordination

The successful candidate does not need the entire range of knowledge to support the range of topics above but should be interested in learning. We are willing to invest in training the right candidate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate or work experience of 2 years, Master's Level Degree or work experience of 4 years, Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 5 years
• Proficient level in Matlab or equivalent
• Proficient in ZeMax
• Working knowledge of optical fundamentals (ray tracing, stray light, aberrations, diffraction)
• Able to run a tolerance analysis
• Able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English
• Able to work effectively in a team and deliver finished work products to a schedule
• Able to perform an experimental error budget analysis

preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of optical testing (interferometer and Shack Hartman)
• Basic knowledge of optical coatings
• Statistical knowledge for manufacturability and yield
• Experience with laser beam propagation
• Experience with lasers and LEDs
• Experience designing laboratory test set ups/ knowledge of cameras and detectors
• Fourier optics knowledge
• Image simulation capability (Matlab)
• Image analysis capability

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 2 years , Master's Level Degree or work experience of 4 years , Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 5 years

The company offers a total rewards package that is competitive and comprehensive including but not limited to the following:  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.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.