Sr Software Engineer (C++, AI/ML, OOP, Linux)

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 RAPID division leads the industry in reticle inspection solutions, helping ensure high lithography yields and cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems support both mask shops and fabs by detecting defects early in the process, enabling faster, more reliable production.

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

Build cutting‑edge C++ software for next‑gen mask inspection systems. Work with cross‑functional experts and tackle complex, high‑impact engineering challenges. Create framework for AI tooling. RPC/REST API experience is a big plus.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

KLA RAPID Division is seeking a highly motivated individual with strong expertise in C++ programming and data analysis. The ideal candidate will possess excellent problem‑solving and debugging skills, along with a deep understanding of multi‑threaded and multi‑process programming environments. Experience in RPC and REST API architectures with deployment in Kubernetes is a strong plus.

In this role, you will develop machine control and data analysis software for advanced mask inspection systems. You’ll also integrate AI and machine learning capabilities into KLA systems to generate insights to improving tool availability.   You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams—including electrical, mechanical, optical, algorithm, and software engineers—to gain comprehensive domain knowledge and address complex system‑level challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop inspection machine control software and data analytics solutions for advanced mask inspection systems.

• Integrate AI capabilities into production tool and evaluate different model training and inference flows

• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to define and implement system requirements.

• Optimize and maintain existing codebases to ensure performance, scalability, and reliability.

• Provide support during integration/test and handle escalations from customer sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or another related field.

• Proven experience in C++ programming, object‑oriented design (OOD/OOP), and design patterns.

• Strong background in data analysis and debugging in multi-process multi-threaded apps.

• Strong leadership qualities, teamwork skills, and motivation for team success.

• Proficiency in Linux‑based development environments.

• RPC/REST interface definitions experience is a plus.

• Familiarity with databases (PostgreSQL, Prometheus) and Observability tools (Grafana)

• Familiarity with frontend tool stacks such as Qt or other modern UI frameworks (Vue/React/Angular/Gtk).

• Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Singularity) and Kubernetes is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate + 0 years, Master's + 3 years, or Bachelor's Degree + 5 years of related 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: $136,300.00 - $199,900.00 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.