Strategic Ramp Program Manager

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

The Semiconductor Process Control (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds, sells and supports a comprehensive product portfolio that ensures high-quality production of the chips that power the technologies of today and the future, including AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Semi PC’s differentiated inspection, metrology and data analytic systems discover, characterize and monitor the defects and variations that can affect manufacturing processes across the semiconductor ecosystem, including high-performance logic chips, advanced memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. Semi PC solves our customers’ most critical challenges through a combination of innovative technologies, close collaborations, and a dynamic, global team. Semi PC is looking for talent in research, engineering, sales, marketing, and applications to ensure continued production of leading-edge process control solutions that drive our customers’ success.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

KLA is seeking a Strategic Ramp Program Manager to lead global customer ramp initiatives as our customers build new fabs and scale existing fab capacity. This role operates at the center of end-to-end KLA ramp planning, cross functional execution and customer engagement, ensuring KLA is fully aligned to support critical achievements, including tool shipments, install, qualification, and on-time production readiness. Work directly with groundbreaking semiconductor customers and internal engineering, applications, and operations teams to deliver successful ramp outcomes under demanding timelines!

What You’ll Drive

• Own end-to-end execution of customer ramp programs supporting fab, shipments, tool installs, qualification, and production readiness
• Partner early with customers to define ramp requirements, success criteria, and execution plans
• Drive alignment across global teams (Applications, Engineering, Operations, Install and Service) to ensure performance to plan
• Track and deliver against ramp milestones, including install timelines, qualification targets, and production readiness
• Lead issue resolution across cross-functional teams—identifying gaps early and driving root cause and recovery plans
• Provide regular updates to internal leadership and customers on ramp status, risks, and performance metrics
• Leverage KLA ramp frameworks and metrics to continuously improve execution across global ramps

What Makes This Role Different

• You are not supporting one product or one customer, you are helping ensure KLA is ready at a company level for complex, global fab ramps
• You will operate as a customer-facing program leader, representing KLA in high-visibility, fast paced environments
• Success requires both technical proficiency and the ability to influence across a highly matrixed organization

What Success Looks Like

• KLA tools are shipped, installed, qualified, and production-ready in line with customer fab ramp schedules
• Cross-functional teams are aligned and delivering to customer expectations
• Risks are identified early and resolved without impacting ramp timelines
• Customers view KLA as an indispensable partner in enabling their technology and ramp roadmap

Qualification, but not limited to:

• 8–10+ years in semiconductor or complex capital equipment environments
• Direct experience supporting tool ramp, fab ramp, system qualification, or HVM transitions
• Background in one of the following:
• Applications Engineering (customer-facing tool deployment)
• System Engineering or Integration
• Technical Program / Engineering Program Management
• Experience working with leading semiconductor customers in fast paced, timeline-driven environments
• Proven track record to drive execution across global, cross-functional teams
• ~25% travel (domestic + international) to support customer ramps and program execution

Key Capabilities

• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing and equipment lifecycle (install → qualify → ramp → HVM)
• Ability to connect technical details to program execution and customer impact
• Excellent stakeholder management across engineering, manufacturing, field teams, and customers
• Data-driven approach: tracking performance, identifying gaps, and improving outcomes
• High ownership and ability to operate in ambiguity

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: $138,500.00 - $235,500.00 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.