Applications Development Engineer

kla; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global company in the semiconductor sector seeks a Research Scientist to conduct defect reviews and enhance wafer inspection tools. Candidates should possess a Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant fields, alongside hands-on experience in electronic defect analysis. The role's focus is to optimize the performance of semiconductor manufacturing tools, contributing to the advanced chip design landscape.

Benefits

401(K) with company matching

Employee stock purchase program

Tuition reimbursement program

Paid time off and paid company holidays

Wellness benefits including EAP

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Material Science with at least 1 year of work experience.
• Proficiency in using review platforms like EBEAM or optical tools.
• Ability to create and document Best-Known Methods (BKMs) and Feature Requirement Specifications (FRS).

Responsibilities

• Conduct defect reviews on wafers using KLA’s review platforms.
• Collaborate with engineering, marketing, and sales teams.
• Characterize wafer inspection products and develop compelling use cases.

Skills

Defect review

Data analysis

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Project leadership

Education

Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

Bachelor's Degree in Material Science

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.

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 Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non-uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

• Conduct defect review on unpatterned wafers using KLA’s review platforms (e.g., EBEAM, optical) to support internal projects.
• Stay current with new features and capabilities of review tools; apply them to improve defect review performance and operational efficiency.
• Create Best-Known Methods (BKMs) and Feature Requirement Specifications (FRS) for unpatterned wafer review use cases.
• Propose and lead synergy projects between review tools and inspection tools to enhance overall review performance and integration.
• Characterize state-of-the-art wafer inspection products, including defining feature requirements, designing test plans, collecting and analyzing data, and publishing results in the form of application notes and BKMs.
• Conduct tool demonstrations to highlight differentiated performance and develop compelling use cases that support product adoption.
• Support product value demonstration during beta testing, head-to-head (H2H) comparisons, and customer evaluations to drive tool penetration.
• Investigate semiconductor manufacturing yield issues and develop inspection-based monitoring solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering, marketing, and sales teams to communicate product value and share use cases.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Level Degree or Bachelor's Level Degree in in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Engineering or related field with work experience of 1 years

Base Pay Range: $94,800.00 - $161,200.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA’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 [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.

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