Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Join KLA’s Surfscan Division, the leader in unpatterned wafer inspection for semiconductor manufacturing. Our team of apps engineers, technologists, and product specialists develop solutions that help advanced semiconductor fabs and equipment manufacturers qualify and monitor process tools. Surfscan equipment detects defects and process non-uniformities early, enabling proactive yield management. As an Applications Engineer, you’ll partner with customers and cross-functional teams to optimize SFS tools, create innovative applications, and drive enhancements for next-generation products. This role blends deep technical expertise with customer engagement to ensure our solutions always deliver maximum value.
Key Responsibilities:Support, maintain, and troubleshoot SFS tools in customer environments
Diagnose tool issues, identify corrective actions, and ensure optimal tool performance
Work closely with service and engineering teams to resolve hardware/software issues
Develop applications and Best Known Methods (BKMs) to solve complex customer challenges and improve tool capability
Create use cases, scope new features, identify issues, and drive bug fixes
Maintain strategic customer relationships and assist sales teams with technical assessments
Develop and document training materials, and provide technical training
Collaborate with customers and internal teams to define requirements for future products
QualificationsMS or Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Optics, Material Science, or related field
Experience in semiconductor fabrication or equivalent educational experience
Strong knowledge of semiconductor process flows and defect types
Experience in system-level troubleshooting, diagnostics, and reporting
Cleanroom experience and semiconductor device characterization
Familiarity with computer operating systems, networking, and analysis tools
Preferred Skills:Strong customer focus and ability to build collaborative relationships
Experience with lasers and optics
Motivation to innovate and proactively deliver exceptional customer outcomes
Proven technical leadership and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills
Ability to present technical content to diverse audiences
Data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Minitab, Igor, Origin, ImageJ, etc.)
Programming (Matlab, LabVIEW, Python, etc.)
We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.
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: $119,000.00 - $202,300.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-OR-Hillsboro-Beaverton-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.
