KLA Tencor

Manufacturing Engineer - Laser Systems

KLA Tencor$106K — $181K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in a STEM field required.
  • Strong understanding of laser systems and performance fundamentals.
  • Hands-on experience with laser alignment and optical integration.
  • Proven expertise in leading root cause investigations using structured methodologies.
  • Effective communicator skilled at collaborating in global teams.
  • Comfortable in cleanroom settings and willing to travel up to 25%.
  • Minimum 5 years of related experience or equivalent educational background.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the laser systems subject matter expert for performance improvements.
  • Investigate and resolve manufacturing and customer escalations by identifying root causes.
  • Lead projects focused on optimizing laser behavior and performance drivers.
  • Develop and refine calibration and qualification processes for quality and reliability.
  • Utilize data and problem-solving methods to enhance product performance and yield.
  • Collaborate with global teams on new product introductions and manufacturing transfers.
  • Create technical documentation and training materials for consistent execution across operations.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(K) with company matching.
  • Employee stock purchase program (ESPP).
  • Tuition reimbursement and student debt assistance.
  • Wellness benefits, including employee assistance programs (EAP).
  • Paid time off and company holidays.
  • Career development opportunities and financial planning benefits.
Full Job Description
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Make an Impact on Next-Generation Laser Systems

Join a team where you'll do far more than maintain existing technology-you'll be the technical expert driving the performance, reliability, and evolution of advanced laser systems used in cutting-edge semiconductor equipment.

As a Laser Systems Engineer, you'll work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and customer success. You'll tackle complex technical challenges, resolve critical manufacturing and field issues, and lead initiatives that directly improve system performance, product quality, and operational efficiency. Your work will influence how our lasers are built, how they perform in the field, and how future generations of technology are developed.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for laser and optical systems, partnering across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to drive performance improvements.
  • Investigate and resolve complex manufacturing and customer field escalations, identifying root causes and implementing lasting solutions.
  • Lead projects focused on understanding laser behavior, performance drivers, and opportunities for optimization.
  • Develop and refine laser alignment, calibration, and qualification processes to achieve world-class quality and reliability.
  • Use data and structured problem-solving methods to improve yield, reduce variation, and enhance product performance.
  • Collaborate with global cross-functional teams on new product introductions, manufacturing transfers, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Create technical documentation and provide training that enables consistent execution across manufacturing operations.
  • Drive resolution of system-level and optical performance challenges that have a direct impact on customers and business results.

What We're Looking For
  • Advanced Degree in a STEM education
  • Strong understanding of laser systems and laser performance fundamentals.
  • Hands-on experience with laser alignment, optical system integration, or optical component qualification.
  • Experience leading root cause investigations and applying structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment and communicate effectively across global teams.
  • Comfortable working in cleanroom environments and traveling domestically and internationally (up to 25%).

Why This Role?

This is a unique opportunity to become the go-to expert for sophisticated laser technology, solve highly visible technical challenges, and directly shape the performance of systems used by some of the world's most advanced technology manufacturers. If you're energized by hands-on engineering, complex troubleshooting, and continuous innovation, you'll find meaningful impact and career growth here.

Minimum Qualifications

Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelors degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience

Base Pay Range: $106,700.00 - $181,400.00 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.

About KLA Tencor

KLA Corporation is a global capital equipment company that provides process control solutions for semiconductor and related industries. The Company's products are also used in a number of other high technology industries, including the packaging, light emitting diode (LED), power device and compound semiconductor markets. Its products and services are used by bare wafer, integrated circuit (IC), lithography reticle (reticle or mask) and disk manufacturers around the world. The Company's inspection and metrology products and related offerings are categorized in various groups, including Chip Manufacturing, Wafer Manufacturing, Reticle Manufacturing, LED, Power Device and Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing, Data Storage Media/Head Manufacturing, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Manufacturing, and General Purpose/Lab Applications.
Learn more about KLA Tencor
Size
11,300 employees
Market Cap
$52 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1997
5 Year Trend
+21.5%
Revenue
$6 billion
NASDAQ

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