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 Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) Division provides industry leading metrology solutions for worldwide semiconductor IC manufacturers. The FaST Division portfolio of metrology products includes hardware and software solutions for optical film thickness, optical critical dimension (CD), composition, and resistivity measurement systems. These products are essential for the IC manufacturers as they provide critical metrology capabilities for the development and implementation of their advanced IC processes. The FaST division is committed to support our customers to achieve performance entitlement of our solution and we effectively partner with our customers from their early research and development phase to the high volume in-line manufacturing implementation specific for their process needs. The division consists of a global team located in US, Israel, China, and India.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on System Design Engineer to join our team, focusing on the development and enhancement of advanced metrology systems, including X-ray–based solutions.

The ideal candidate combines strong system-level thinking with practical experience in product development, system integration, and advanced troubleshooting. This role requires the ability to rapidly prototype and independently design innovative solutions, while working closely with cross-functional teams to drive products from concept through high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and prototype metrology systems and subsystems, ensuring performance, serviceability, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Lead system-level integration across hardware and data flows, bridging R&D and high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Participate in full product life cycle (PLC) development for current and next-generation products.
• Perform system modeling, error budgeting, and data-driven performance optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, manufacturing, and service) to define requirements and system architecture.
• Drive performance improvement, cost reduction, and reliability enhancement.
• Develop and deploy data analysis and automation solutions (e.g., Python-based tools) to improve engineering productivity and system insight.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation, including design reviews, specifications, and test plans.
• Provide technical support and root cause analysis for manufacturing ramps, field issues, and customer escalations.
• Partner with external vendors and suppliers to develop and qualify subsystems and components.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. with 3+ years, Master’s with 5+ years, or Bachelor’s with 7+ years of relevant experience
• Strong foundation in physics, engineering, or related field, with system-level problem-solving capability
• Hands-on experience with hardware systems (e.g., vacuum systems, optics, or advanced instrumentation)
• Proficiency in data analysis and programming (Python or equivalent)
• Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Up to 20% global travel required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with X-ray metrology, scattering techniques, or electron/ion-based systems
• Experience developing hardware for the semiconductor capital equipment industry is preferred.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-based or data-driven metrology approaches

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: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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.