Director - R&D, Advanced Technologies

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 192,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA seeks a senior technology leader to drive the SensArray program, shaping next-generation semiconductor process characterization and product platforms from concept to commercialization.

You will build and lead global engineering teams, define long-range roadmaps, collaborate with product management and customers, and shepherd IP strategy and risk management to keep KLA at technology leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with extensive leadership in semiconductor tech.
• Experience delivering innovative technology programs from concept through commercialization.
• Strong track record in technology roadmaps and R&D investment strategy.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term SensArray technology roadmap and strategy.
• Lead global engineering teams to deliver next-generation semiconductor platforms.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Applications Eng., Manufacturing, and customers.
• Drive IP development, invention disclosure, and patent strategy.
• Ensure transition of advanced tech programs into product development and manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

Semiconductor equipment

R&D strategy

Patent development

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering management

Executive communication

Roadmap development

AI analytics

Education

Doctorate (Academic) + 10+ years experience

Master’s degree + 13+ years experience

Job description

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale-faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

Group/Division

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA's product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. The SensArray division leads in in-situ measurement and process control, helping semiconductor fabs and mask shops optimize yield and efficiency. Its solutions support both R&D and high-volume manufacturing, enabling automated process control (APC) through real-time thermal monitoring and analytics.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

Lead KLA SensArray's advanced technology and R&D strategy, driving innovation and development of next-generation semiconductor process characterization solutions. Define and execute the long-term technology roadmap, identifying emerging market opportunities, competitive trends, and breakthrough technologies that accelerate growth and strengthen market leadership. Build and lead world-class engineering teams to deliver N+1 and N+2 product platforms from concept through commercialization while expanding KLA's intellectual property portfolio. Partner with customers, industry leaders, and cross-functional organizations to align technology investments with business objectives and future market needs. Serve as the strategic technology leader responsible for innovation, competitive differentiation, risk management, and successful transition of advanced technologies into scalable products.

• In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.
• Lead and evolve global electrical engineering standards, specifications, and design guidelines across a diverse facilities portfolio.
• Review electrical designs for capital projects, infrastructure upgrades, and critical facility improvements to support consistency, quality, and compliance
• Guide technical strategy for power distribution, UPS, generators, transfer systems, and other critical power infrastructure.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve resiliency, operational readiness, and long-term facility performance.
• Support renewable energy and electrification initiatives, including solar, battery storage, EV charging, and utility coordination where relevant.
• Translate technical requirements into clear standards, design guidance, and executive-ready summaries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the long-term SensArray technology, innovation strategy & Roadmap
• Lead advanced research and development programs focused on next-generation semiconductor process characterization including both temperature and wafer handling projects
• Drive N+1 and N+2 product planning and technology incubation efforts.
• Identify industry technology inflections, emerging market trends, and disruptive competitive developments to maintain technology leadership.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of innovation programs from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Applications Engineering, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and key customer stakeholders to align technology investments with business objectives.
• Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary engineering & R&D teams to achieve strategic objectives
• Drive intellectual property development, including invention disclosure, patent strategy, and technology differentiation initiatives
• Defend and protect KLA Intellectual Property
• Develop models to simulate and mimic semiconductor process areas in the field of thermal, plasma, mechanical, etc.
• Support leadership with technology assessments, business cases, and investment recommendations.
• Ensure effective transition of advanced technology programs into product development and manufacturing organizations.
• Identify, characterize and manage program related risks

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and develop managers, principal engineers, and technical experts.
• Establish organizational objectives, priorities, budgets, and resource plans.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, accountability, and customer focus.
• Communicate technology strategy to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Influence cross-functional decision-making and organizational priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Semiconductor Engineering, or related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in semiconductor equipment, metrology, sensors, process control, or related technology industries.
• 8+ years of leadership experience managing engineering and technical development organizations.
• Demonstrated track record delivering innovative technology programs from concept through commercialization.
• Experience developing long-range technology roadmaps and R&D investment strategies.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and technology trends.
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.
• Experience with sensors, advanced packaging technologies, process monitoring systems,thermal characterization, automation, AI-enabled analytics, or industrial sensing solutions.
• Experience with modeling and simulation related to thermal, plasma and mechanical properties inside the semiconductor process flow.
• History of successful patent generation and technology commercialization.
• Experience working directly with leading semiconductor manufacturers and research organizations.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technology strategy to revenue growth and market expansion.
• Experience leading globally distributed engineering organizations.

Success Measures

• Development and execution of a multi-year SensArray technology roadmap.
• Successful commercialization of next-generation product platforms.
• Increased innovation velocity and reduction in time-to-market.
• Expansion of SensArray technology differentiation and intellectual property portfolio.
• Growth in customer adoption and strategic technology partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (Academic) and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience OR
• Master's Level Degree and a minimum of of 13 years of relevant experience

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $192,000.00 - $288,000.00 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.

Use of AI Statement

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews-whether virtual or in person-is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.

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