Sr. Systems Design Engineer (Optics, Opto-Mechanics, Motion Control Systems)

Posted 21 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Milpitas, CA, USA
In-Office
160K-271K Annually
Senior level
Hardware
The Role
Design and validate complex optical inspection systems for semiconductor manufacturing. Define system architecture and requirements, create and execute test plans, troubleshoot system-level issues, support manufacturing and field optimization, and communicate technical findings to stakeholders.
Summary Generated by Built In

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 Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Responsibilities:

The system design engineer will work within the Broadband Plasma products. This role will involve requirements analysis, system design and testing of complex inspection systems using expertise from multiple technical disciplines. The selected candidate will:

  • Work with marketing and engineering to define system architecture and develop requirement specifications and test plans

  • Work with functional groups to define and review designs.

  • Create and execute test plans and perform analysis to validate system performance. Perform system-level trouble shooting and work with functional team to implement solutions

  • Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and optimize tool performance. Lead troubleshoot efforts in manufacturing and in the field

  • Occasional travel will be required

Qualifications:

  • Must have a strong background in engineering or the physical science and demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills in complex optical imaging and control motion systems

  • Experience with image processing and/or a good understanding of signal/imaging process algorithm is a plus

  • Highly experienced with Python scripting for data collection and analysis

  • Agility and ability to thrive on a fast pacing program and respond quickly to field and internal escalations

  • Must be an effective communicator able to share technical information with functional groups and provide executive level reports to management and customers

  • PhD or Masters, in applied optics, mechanical/electrical engineering, physics or related disciplines desired

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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.

Skills Required

  • Strong background in engineering or physical science with demonstrated analysis and problem-solving in optical imaging and motion control systems
  • Experience in requirements analysis, system design, and testing of complex inspection systems
  • Highly experienced with Python scripting for data collection and analysis
  • Experience creating and executing test plans and performing system-level troubleshooting
  • Ability to support manufacturing and field optimization and lead troubleshoot efforts
  • Effective communication skills to present technical information and executive-level reports
  • Agility to work on fast-paced programs and respond quickly to field and internal escalations
  • Experience with image processing or understanding of signal/imaging process algorithms
  • Advanced degree (PhD or Masters preferred) in applied optics, mechanical/electrical engineering, physics or related; or equivalent experience per degree-level minimums

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.

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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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