AI Engineer (Computer Vision/Signal Processing)

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Career development opportunities

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA is seeking an AI Engineer for the RAPID division to design and develop deep learning models blended with physics-based modeling for reticle inspection platforms. You will work on image understanding tasks such as segmentation, anomaly detection, and defect analysis on production systems.

The role requires strong publication credentials, in-depth CV/vision expertise, and proficiency with PyTorch or TensorFlow, Python, and C++ for production software.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in a related field with strong publications.
• Extensive experience in deep learning for computer vision and image understanding.
• Knowledge of physics-based modeling or signal processing.
• Proficiency with PyTorch or TensorFlow and Python.
• Experience in C++ production software development.

Responsibilities

• Deep Learning & Computer Vision design, train, and deploy models for image understanding tasks (segmentation, anomaly detection, defect analysis) on inspection systems.
• Abstract specific tasks into generalized mathematical problems and devise customized models and algorithmic solutions.
• Curate and manage datasets; establish training, validation, and evaluation pipelines.
• Drive innovation by proposing novel approaches and delivering production-quality, maintainable code.
• Identify bottlenecks and balance model complexity with Computational efficiency for inference.
• Collaborate with field teams and customers to support deployments and ensure seamless integration of AI solutions at customer sites (occasional international travel).

Skills

Deep learning

Computer vision

Physics-based modeling

Python programming

Education

Doctorate (PhD) in a relevant field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Python

C++ production software

Job description

Company Overview

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

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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

KLA is seeking a motivated AI Engineer with a growth mindset to join a world-class algorithm group within the Reticle And Photomask Inspection Division (RAPID)! In this role, you will design and develop deep learning models blended with classical methods (e.g., physics-based modeling or signal processing) to advance KLA's innovative inspection platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Deep Learning & Computer Vision Design, train, and deploy deep learning models for image understanding tasks such as image translation, segmentation, anomaly detection, and defect analysis on inspection systems
• Abstract specific tasks into generalized mathematical problems and devise customized models and algorithmic solutions
• Curate and manage datasets; establish rigorous training, validation, and evaluation pipelines
• Innovation and Execution Drive innovation by proposing novel approaches and delivering production-quality, maintainable code
• Identify technical bottlenecks and balance model sophistication against computational complexity through comprehensive data analysis
• Improve model accuracy; optimize models for inference throughput, including GPU-accelerated and high-performance computing

Cross-functional Collaboration

Collaborate directly with other teams to co-optimize algorithms along with other sub-systems for best overall system design Work with field teams and customers to support model deployments and ensure seamless integration of AI solutions to inspection systems at customer sites, including occasional international travel

Qualifications & Attributes

REQUIRED: relevant publications must be listed on resume

• PhD (New College Graduate OR preference of 1-2 yrs of experience) in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Significant experience in deep learning, for computer vision and image understanding
• Knowledge in physics-based modeling or signal processing
• Proficiency with modern deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow) and Python
• Experience in C++ production software development and object-oriented programming

Desired Expertise

• Scientific computing, numerical optimization, and computational geometry
• Modeling of imaging systems (electron-beam or optical)
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing and process control is a plus

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

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.

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 [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.