Applications Engineer

KLA; Ann Arbor Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 72,600 - 123,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA is hiring in the USA (MI) for a position in optics-focused process control. The candidate will work closely with customers, present demonstrations, and help develop solutions using interferometry and optical metrology.

This role emphasizes independent work, strong presentation skills, and travel up to 25%. Required are advanced degrees in physics or engineering with optics background and experience in customer-facing environments.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics or Engineering with background in optics.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Ability to deliver effective technical presentations and product demonstrations to customers.
• Strong understanding of optical properties of materials and other forms of elastic/inelastic light‑matter interaction.
• Experience in a customer-facing role for a minimum of 2 years related to thin‑film deposition, metrology, or surface characterization.
• Minimum qualifications specify Master’s level degree (0 yrs) or Bachelor’s with 2 yrs related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Understand customers’ characterization requirements and provide solutions using KLA’s optical/interferometry techniques.
• Conduct product and measurement demonstrations.
• Define, prepare and present quotes to customers and close sales opportunities efficiently.
• Support sales and product management as the key expert and provide technical phone support for installed systems.
• Train customers on key technologies and product use.
• Assist with business development, qualifying new applications, markets, and customers.
• Author white papers, product application notes, and technical papers for conferences.
• Willing to travel up to 25%.

Skills

Independent work

Technical presentations

Optics knowledge

Customer-facing

Education

Master’s/PhD in Physics or Engineering

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience

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

The Semiconductor Process Control (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds, sells and supports a comprehensive product portfolio that ensures high‑quality production of the chips that power the technologies of today and the future, including AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Semi PC’s differentiated inspection, metrology and data analytic systems discover, characterize and monitor the defects and variations that can affect manufacturing processes across the semiconductor ecosystem, including high‑performance logic chips, advanced memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. Semi PC solves our customers’ most critical challenges through a combination of innovative technologies, close collaborations, and a dynamic, global team. Semi PC is looking for talent in research, engineering, sales, marketing, and applications to ensure continued production of leading‑edge process control solutions that drive our customers’ success.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

• Understand customers’ characterization requirements and provide solutions using KLA’s various optical and interferometry‑based techniques.
• Conduct product and measurement demonstrations
• Define, prepare and present quotes to customers and close sales opportunities efficiently
• Support sales and product management as the key expert and provide technical phone support for installed systems
• Train customers on key technologies and product use
• Assist with business development, qualifying new applications, markets, and customers
• Author white papers, product application notes, and technical papers for conferences
• Willing to travel up to 25%

Qualifications

The successful candidate will need to possess the following education and experience:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Physics or Engineering with background in optics
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision
• Ability to deliver effective technical presentations and product demonstrations to customers
• Strong understanding of optical properties of materials and other forms of elastic/inelastic light‑matter interaction
• Experience in a customer‑facing role for a minimum of 2 years is required related to thin‑film deposition, metrology, or surface characterization

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; Bachelor’s Level Degree and related work experience of 2 years

Base Pay Range: $72,600.00 - $123,400.00 Annually. Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor. 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.