Applications Development Engineer - Surfscan

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA is seeking researchers and engineers in Milpitas to tackle advanced wafer inspection challenges. You will engage with Surfscan tools, diagnose complex systems, and collaborate with product and engineering teams to define tests and deliver corrective actions.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or Master in a relevant field, with optics and semiconductor processing knowledge. This role offers exposure to leading-edge metrology and career growth within a global tech leader.

Qualifications

• PhD and/or Master in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Responds to technical issues of semiconductor wafer inspection products
• Performs advanced troubleshooting using deep system-level knowledge.
• Diagnoses complex problems involving: Optics and optical alignment, Lasers, Imaging systems, Computer systems, electronic boards and motion controllers, Robotics and wafer handlers
• Collaborates with specialists and engineering teams to develop corrective action plans.
• Characterization of next-generation, state-of-the art semiconductor wafer inspection products.
• Develop and review feature requirements, design test plans, collect data, perform analysis, publish results and recommendations in the form of applications notes and best-known methods.
• Conduct new tool demonstrations to showcase differentiated performance and develop use cases on new features that help drive tool sales.
• Product value demonstration during beta testing, head-to-head (H2H) and evaluation tools in the ramp phase, thereby enabling product penetration and adoption at customer sites.
• Investigate semiconductor manufacturing yield issues and develop corresponding inspection solutions to monitor them.
• Create and share product value statements and use cases with engineering, marketing and sales groups.

Skills

Optics background

Semiconductor processing knowledge

Education

PhD or Master in EE/Physics/Materials/Engineering

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 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

• Responds to technical issues of semiconductor wafer inspection products
• Performs advanced troubleshooting using deep system-level knowledge.
• Diagnoses complex problems involving: Optics and optical alignment, Lasers, Imaging systems, Computer systems, electronic boards and motion controllers, Robotics and wafer handlers
• Collaborates with specialists and engineering teams to develop corrective action plans.
• Characterization of next-generation, state-of-the art semiconductor wafer inspection products.
• Develop and review feature requirements, design test plans, collect data, perform analysis, publish results and recommendations in the form of applications notes and best-known methods.
• Conduct new tool demonstrations to showcase differentiated performance and develop use cases on new features that help drive tool sales.
• Product value demonstration during beta testing, head-to-head (H2H) and evaluation tools in the ramp phase, thereby enabling product penetration and adoption at customer sites.
• Investigate semiconductor manufacturing yield issues and develop corresponding inspection solutions to monitor them.
• Create and share product value statements and use cases with engineering, marketing and sales groups.
• Optics background is a plus.
• Semiconductor processing knowledge is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD Level Degree and / or Master's Level Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Engineering or related field.

Base Pay Range: $97,800.00 - $166,300.00 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.