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

• Develop, characterize, and optimize advanced image-processing and computer-vision algorithms for semiconductor wafer inspection applications.
• Support customer and factory escalations related to PDA performance, alignment accuracy, nuisance reduction, defect sensitivity, and inspection robustness.
• Analyze large-scale inspection datasets to identify root causes, quantify algorithm performance, and recommend corrective actions.
• Design and implement algorithm enhancements that improve detection capability, accuracy, throughput, and production stability.
• Collaborate with Applications, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Product Management, and Customer Support teams to resolve critical customer issues and accelerate volume ramp activities.
• Develop prototypes using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools and transition algorithms into production-quality software.
• Evaluate and apply machine learning, deep learning, and AI-based approaches where appropriate to improve inspection and image-analysis performance.
• Conduct algorithm characterization studies, develop performance metrics, and create validation plans for new features and improvements.
• Drive data-driven decision making through statistical analysis, visualization, and automated evaluation frameworks.
• Participate in requirement definition, feature development, code reviews, design reviews, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical leadership for complex debugging and root-cause investigations involving imaging systems, design alignment, and defect detection algorithms.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in:
  • Image Processing
  • Computer Vision
  • Pattern Recognition
  • Signal Processing
  • Computational Imaging
• Knowledge of image registration, alignment, pattern matching, feature extraction, optical imaging, or defect detection algorithms.
• Experience with machine learning or deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.
• Familiarity with Linux development environments and software development best practices.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a combination of these languages.
• Experience with GPU acceleration, CUDA, parallel computing, or high-performance computing techniques.
• Understanding of optimization methods, model validation, and algorithm performance characterization.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to work on complex technical problems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related field preferred and 1+ years of industry work experience
• Master's degree or equivalent experience with 3+ years of industry work experience

Base Pay Range: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 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.