Algorithm engineer

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 271,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401(k) matching

ESPP

Student debt support

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Financial planning

Wellness benefits

PTO & holidays

Family care leave

Job summary

KLA is seeking a highly qualified researcher/engineer to advance AI-powered inspection systems in California. You will design, validate, and deploy cutting-edge computer vision and deep learning solutions in semiconductor manufacturing, collaborating with PhDs and engineers to push technology from research to customer impact.

Ideal candidates have strong ML/DL/vision background, experience with TensorFlow or PyTorch, and robust software skills in C++/Python.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with 3+ years of related experience; or MS with 3+ years; or BS with 3+ years.
• Strong background in ML/DL/vision and image processing.
• Proficient in C++/Python and production ML deployment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize advanced ML/DL algorithms for image/signal processing.
• Own algorithm development from concept to production.
• Invent and evaluate novel CV approaches for real-world datasets.
• Analyze performance, debug issues, and improve robustness in production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and improve scalability.

Skills

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Computer Vision

Image Processing

Python

C++

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Education

Doctorate Degree

Master's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and… To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology. Group/Division The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. The LS‑SWIFT division delivers high‑throughput patterned wafer inspection systems that support advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Its mission is to provide industry‑leading defect detection with optimal cost of ownership across a wide range of applications. LS systems enable precise, cost‑effective inspection for cutting‑edge process nodes, while SWIFT systems offer comprehensive macro inspection of all wafer surfaces—capabilities that are especially critical for advanced packaging, as well as logic, memory, and automotive applications.

What You'll Do In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high‑impact work across your area of expertise. Are you a computer vision engineer or researcher who thrives on solving challenging, real‑world problems? Do you enjoy taking ideas from concept through to production at scale? At KLA, you will work on cutting‑edge AI‑powered inspection systems that enable breakthroughs in semiconductor manufacturing—the backbone of modern technology. Join a high‑performing team of PhDs, machine vision experts, and algorithm engineers, where you will design and deploy next‑generation computer vision and deep learning solutions in complex, high‑impact environments. The successful candidate will grow their career within the LS‑SWIFT algorithms group in California, working on some of the most advanced inspection systems in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize advanced machine learning and deep learning algorithms for complex image and signal processing applications
• Take ownership of algorithm development from concept and prototyping to production deployment
• Invent, evaluate, and implement novel computer vision approaches for challenging, real‑world datasets
• Analyze system performance, debug complex issues, and improve robustness and accuracy in production environments
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (software, systems, applications, and field engineers) to deliver high‑quality solutions
• Contribute to architectural decisions and continuously improve algorithm performance, scalability, and maintainability

Qualifications

• Strong background in one or more of the following: Machine Learning Deep Learning Computer Vision Image Processing
• Hands‑on experience with at least one major deep learning framework (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Proven experience training, validating, and deploying ML/DL models in production environments
• Solid programming skills (C++ and/or Python), with experience in object‑oriented and/or functional programming
• Ability to design model architectures, customize loss functions, and optimize performance for real‑world constraints
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work on ambiguous, open‑ended challenges

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Experience with large‑scale, high‑resolution image data or industrial inspection systems
• Familiarity with performance optimization, GPU acceleration, or real‑time systems
• Experience working in cross‑functional product environments (from R&D to customer deployment)

What Makes This Role Unique

• Work on mission‑critical systems used by leading semiconductor companies worldwide
• Solve unsolved, high‑impact problems at the intersection of AI and physics
• See your work move from research to production and customer impact
• Collaborate with a highly skilled, supportive, and driven team

Minimum Qualifications

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

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges.

From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe.

If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 Annually

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• 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
• 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.

Use of AI Statement

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem‑solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.