Senior Systems Engineer (Optical Systems)

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

As a Senior System Design Engineer with a focus on optical systems, you will lead the design, integration, and optimization of complex electro-optical platforms. You will be responsible for ensuring precise optical alignment, managing tight tolerances, and driving system-level performance in KLA’s next-generation inspection and metrology tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead system-level design and integration of high-precision optical instruments.

• Define and manage optical alignment strategies and tolerancing budgets across subsystems.

• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and software teams to ensure robust alignment methodologies and maintain optical performance throughout the product lifecycle.

• Perform tolerance analysis (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations, sensitivity studies) to guide design decisions and ensure manufacturability.

• Develop alignment procedures and tools for both R&D and manufacturing environments.

• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of optical performance issues.

• Support system validation, calibration, and verification activities.

• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical reviews and design best practices.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in system design and integration of complex optical or electro-optical systems.

• Deep understanding of optical alignment techniques, tolerance analysis, and system-level error budgeting.

• Experience with precision opto-mechanical assemblies, interferometry, and metrology tools.

• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or other high-precision industries.

• Familiarity with model based system engineering (MBSE) and systems modeling language (SysML)

• Familiarity with active alignment techniques and automation in optical assembly.

• Knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) and reliability (DFR) in optical systems.

• Proficiency with optical design and analysis tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED) and system modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 5 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 12 years

Base Pay Range: $180,000.00 - $306,000.00 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.