Applications Development Engineer - LS-SWIFT

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA, is seeking a research scientist/software engineer to advance darkfield optical inspection and data-driven analysis within the LS-SWIFT division. The role blends engineering, data science, and AI concepts to enhance defect detection and process insight.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, apply visualization and ML techniques to massive data, and contribute to cutting-edge semiconductor inspection systems while traveling up to 50% as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 3+ years related experience or Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years.
• Experience with Darkfield optical inspection systems and data analysis.
• Willing to travel 50% of the time; strong communication and collaboration.

Skills

Darkfield inspection systems

Data science for large datasets

Python scripting

Machine learning concepts

IC processing background

Technical & analytical skills

Communication & leadership

Collaborative and self-motivated

Willing to travel

Education

Master’s degree + 3+ years related experience

Bachelor’s degree + 5+ years related experience

Tools

Python

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 scientists, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The LS‑SWIFT Division of KLA’s Global Products Group provides patterned wafer inspection systems for high‑volume semiconductor manufacturing. Its mission is to deliver market‑leading cost of ownership in defect detection for a broad range of applications in the production of semiconductors. Customers from the foundry, logic, memory, automotive, MEMS, advanced packaging and other markets rely upon high‑sample wafer inspection information generated by LS‑SWIFT products. LS (Laser Scanning) systems enable cost‑effective patterned wafer defect detection for the industry’s most sophisticated process technologies deployed in leading‑edge foundry, logic, DRAM, and NAND fabs. SWIFT (Simultaneous Wafer Inspection at Fast Throughput) systems deliver all‑wafer‑surface (frontside, backside, and edge) macro inspection that is critical for automotive IC, MEMS, and advanced packaging processes as well as foundry/logic and memory fabs. LS‑SWIFT operates from a global footprint that includes the US, Singapore, India and Germany, and serves a worldwide customer base across Asia, Europe and North America.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with Darkfield optical inspection systems
• Demonstrated proficiency in data science for analysis and visualization of massive data sets
• Familiarity with Python scripting, with exposure to basic machine learning/deep learning concepts for AI‑driven applications
• Background in IC processing/semiconductor equipment is highly desirable
• Strong technical & analytical skills
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal & leadership skills
• Creative, self‑motivated and collaborative
• Willing to travel 50% of the time

Minimum Qualifications

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: $120,000.00 - $204,000.00 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Important Notice

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.