Customer Engagement Applications Engineer

KLA; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 83,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA is seeking an Applications Engineer for its Electron Beam Division in Hillsboro, OR to maintain and optimize eBeam tools and develop innovative applications. You will work with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-value solutions in semiconductor fabs.

Qualified candidates have a strong background in physics/engineering, hands-on SEM/TEM experience, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Optics, or Materials Science, or related field
• Experience in semiconductor fabrication or equivalent educational experience
• 2+ years of hands-on SEM review, SEM inspection, or TEM/FIB experience
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor process flows and defect types
• Understanding of electron optics and SE/BSE/VC signals
• Experience in system-level troubleshooting, diagnostics, and reporting
• Cleanroom experience and semiconductor device characterization
• Familiarity with OS, networking, and analysis tools

Responsibilities

• Support, maintain, and troubleshoot eBeam tools in customer environments
• Diagnose tool issues, identify corrective actions, and ensure optimal tool performance
• Work closely with service and engineering teams to resolve hardware/software issues
• Develop applications and BKMs to solve complex customer challenges and improve tool capability
• Create use cases, scope new features, identify issues, and drive bug fixes
• Maintain strategic customer relationships and assist sales teams with technical assessments
• Develop and document training materials, and provide technical training
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to define requirements for future products

Skills

Customer focus

Communication

Teamwork

Project management

Problem-solving

Technical leadership

Presentation skills

Analytical thinking

Education

MS/PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Optics, or Materials Science

BS with 2+ years industry experience

Tools

Excel

JMP

Minitab

Igor

Origin

ImageJ

Matlab

LabVIEW

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.

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Join KLA’s Electron Beam Division, a leader in advanced e‑beam review and inspection tools for semiconductor manufacturing. Our mission is to serve as the "eyes" of KLA’s product line, delivering high‑resolution defect data that helps customers identify and correct process issues quickly and accurately. As an Applications Engineer, you’ll work closely with customers and multi‑functional teams to maintain and optimize eBeam tools, develop innovative applications, and drive improvements for next‑generation products. This role combines technical expertise with customer engagement, ensuring our tools deliver maximum value in advanced semiconductor fabs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support, maintain, and troubleshoot eBeam tools in customer environments
• Diagnose tool issues, identify corrective actions, and ensure optimal tool performance
• Work closely with service and engineering teams to resolve hardware/software issues
• Develop applications and Best Known Methods (BKMs) to solve complex customer challenges and improve tool capability
• Create use cases, scope new features, identify issues, and drive bug fixes
• Maintain strategic customer relationships and assist sales teams with technical assessments
• Develop and document training materials, and provide technical training
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to define requirements for future products

Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Optics, Material Science, or related field
• Experience in semiconductor fabrication or equivalent educational experience
• Minimum 2 years of hands‑on SEM review, SEM inspection, or TEM/FIB experience
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor process flows and defect types
• Understanding of electron optics and how electrons interact with a sample to produce SE, BSE, and VC signals
• Experience in system‑level troubleshooting, diagnostics, and reporting
• Cleanroom experience and semiconductor device characterization
• Familiarity with computer operating systems, networking, and analysis tools

Preferred Skills:

• Strong customer focus and ability to build collaborative relationships
• Motivation to innovate and proactively deliver exceptional customer outcomes
• Proven technical leadership and problem‑solving skills
• Experience with Advanced Packaging, Wafer Level Packaging, or C4.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills
• Ability to present technical content to diverse audiences
• Data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Minitab, Igor, Origin, ImageJ, etc.)
• Programming (Matlab, LabVIEW, Python, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications

BS with 2+ years industry experience, MS with relevant experience

Base Pay Range: $83,100.00 - $141,300.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-OR-Hillsboro-Beaverton-KLA

Benefits

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 +1‑408‑352‑2808 to request accommodation.