Algorithm Engineer (Image Processing/Computer Vision)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

ESP P (Stock Purchase)

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA seeks a research scientist or software engineer to develop advanced image-processing and computer-vision algorithms for semiconductor wafer inspection. You will tackle challenging defects, push detection accuracy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD (or MS with experience) in CS/EE/Applied Math or related field, have ML/DL framework experience, Python, MATLAB, C++, and Linux, and can drive production-quality software from prototype.

Qualifications

• PhD in CS/CE/EE/Applied Mathematics/Physics or related field preferred and 1+ years of industry work experience.
• Master's degree or equivalent experience with 3+ years of industry work experience

Responsibilities

• Develop, characterize, and optimize advanced image-processing and computer-vision algorithms for semiconductor wafer inspection applications.
• Support customer and factory escalations related to PDA performance, alignment accuracy, nuisance reduction, defect sensitivity, and inspection robustness.
• Analyze large-scale inspection datasets to identify root causes, quantify algorithm performance, and recommend corrective actions.
• Design and implement algorithm enhancements that improve detection capability, accuracy, throughput, and production stability.
• Collaborate with Applications, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Product Management, and Customer Support teams to resolve critical customer issues and accelerate volume ramp activities.
• Develop prototypes using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools and transition algorithms into production-quality software.
• Evaluate and apply machine learning, deep learning, and AI-based approaches where appropriate to improve inspection and image-analysis performance.
• Conduct algorithm characterization studies, develop performance metrics, and create validation plans for new features and improvements.
• Drive data-driven decision making through statistical analysis, visualization, and automated evaluation frameworks.
• Participate in requirement definition, feature development, code reviews, design reviews, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical leadership for complex debugging and root-cause investigations involving imaging systems, design alignment, and defect detection algorithms.

Skills

Image Processing

Computer Vision

Pattern Recognition

Signal Processing

Computational Imaging

Python

MATLAB

C++

GPU acceleration

Linux development

TensorFlow

PyTorch

CUDA

Education

PhD in Computer Science/Engineering/Math/Physics

MS with 3+ years industry experience

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

CUDA

Job description

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.

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

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 Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.

Responsibilities

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

• Develop, characterize, and optimize advanced image-processing and computer-vision algorithms for semiconductor wafer inspection applications.
• Support customer and factory escalations related to PDA performance, alignment accuracy, nuisance reduction, defect sensitivity, and inspection robustness.
• Analyze large-scale inspection datasets to identify root causes, quantify algorithm performance, and recommend corrective actions.
• Design and implement algorithm enhancements that improve detection capability, accuracy, throughput, and production stability.
• Collaborate with Applications, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Product Management, and Customer Support teams to resolve critical customer issues and accelerate volume ramp activities.
• Develop prototypes using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools and transition algorithms into production-quality software.
• Evaluate and apply machine learning, deep learning, and AI-based approaches where appropriate to improve inspection and image-analysis performance.
• Conduct algorithm characterization studies, develop performance metrics, and create validation plans for new features and improvements.
• Drive data-driven decision making through statistical analysis, visualization, and automated evaluation frameworks.
• Participate in requirement definition, feature development, code reviews, design reviews, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical leadership for complex debugging and root-cause investigations involving imaging systems, design alignment, and defect detection algorithms.
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in:
• Image Processing
• Computer Vision
• Pattern Recognition
• Signal Processing
• Computational Imaging
  
• Knowledge of image registration, alignment, pattern matching, feature extraction, optical imaging, or defect detection algorithms.
• Experience with machine learning or deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.
• Familiarity with Linux development environments and software development best practices.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a combination of these languages.
• Experience with GPU acceleration, CUDA, parallel computing, or high-performance computing techniques.
• Understanding of optimization methods, model validation, and algorithm performance characterization.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to work on complex technical problems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related field preferred and 1+ years of industry work experience
• Master's degree or equivalent experience with 3+ years of industry work experience
  
  
  

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.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [e-mail] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.