Job Description
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. First to deliver the best imaging and classification data for every defect or point on any layer at any time. EBeam’s mission encapsulates its role as the “eyes” of KLA’s product line, providing timely information on defects and critical locations on the wafer at the highest spatial resolution possible. Customers use EBeam products alongside KLA patterned and bare wafer inspectors to quickly understand the nature of defects and other imperfections on product wafers and take action to correct the manufacturing process.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities
Lead development of advanced SEM-based voltage contrast applications for logic and memory technologies (DRAM, NAND).
Define technical requirements by deeply analyzing customer process flows, device circuits, and failure analysis challenges.
Drive product roadmap alignment by identifying emerging customer needs and market trends in voltage contrast imaging.
Design and execute complex experiments to validate methodologies on customer wafers and optimize system performance.
Develop and transfer new application capabilities from R&D to customer-facing teams, ensuring seamless integration into production environments.
Provide technical leadership in solving highly complex problems impacting yield analysis, defect detection, and process control.
Collaborate with internal product teams to guide tool enhancements and influence long-term technology direction.
Lead technical review meetings with internal and external customers.
Generate intellectual property through innovative solutions and new methodologies for SEM-based imaging.
Represent KLA at industry forums and conferences.
Qualifications
10+ years of experience in electron beam inspection (EBI) or SEM-based applications for semiconductor manufacturing.
In depth expertise in voltage contrast imaging, device physics, and process technology for advanced logic and memory nodes.
Proven ability to identify high-value customer problems and translate them into actionable application strategies.
Strong understanding of Voltage Contrast imaging and system optimization techniques.
Excellent customer-facing skills with a track record of leading technical engagements.
Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, generate patents, and contribute to long-term technology roadmaps.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 10 years;
Base Pay Range: $140,000.00 - $238,000.00 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 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.