Customer Engagement Applications Engineer - SFS

KLA-Belgium; Beaverton, Hillsboro (OR, OR); On-site; USD 83,100 - 141,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(K) including company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA's Surfscan Division is seeking an Applications Engineer to support and optimize SFS tools in customer environments. You will diagnose issues, collaborate with service and engineering teams, and develop BKMs to extend tool capabilities while building strong customer relationships.

Preferred candidates hold MS or PhD in physics/engineering and have experience with lasers/optics, data analysis, and programming.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Optics, Material Science, or related field.
• Experience in semiconductor fabrication or equivalent educational experience.
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor process flows and defect types.
• Experience in system-level troubleshooting, diagnostics, and reporting.
• Cleanroom experience and semiconductor device characterization.
• Familiarity with computer operating systems, networking, and analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Support, maintain, and troubleshoot SFS 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.

Skills

Customer focus

Lasers & optics

Technical leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

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

Tools

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Join KLA’s Surfscan Division, the leader in unpatterned wafer inspection for semiconductor manufacturing. Our team of apps engineers, technologists, and product specialists develop solutions that help advanced semiconductor fabs and equipment manufacturers qualify and monitor process tools. Surfscan equipment detects defects and process non-uniformities early, enabling proactive yield management. As an Applications Engineer, you’ll partner with customers and cross-functional teams to optimize SFS tools, create innovative applications, and drive enhancements for next-generation products. This role blends deep technical expertise with customer engagement to ensure our solutions always deliver maximum value.

Key Responsibilities

• Support, maintain, and troubleshoot SFS 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
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor process flows and defect types
• 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
• Experience with lasers and optics
• Motivation to innovate and proactively deliver exceptional customer outcomes
• Proven technical leadership and problem-solving skills
• 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.)

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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: $83,100.00 - $141,300.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-OR-Hillsboro-Beaverton-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.

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.

KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.

We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.

For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.

We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.