Global Government Affairs & Policy Strategy Leader

KLA; United States; Remote; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

KLA, a leader in semiconductor inspection and metrology, seeks a Global Government Affairs leader to shape policy and strategic engagement across jurisdictions. This role partners with executive leadership to translate policy into business impact and drive regulatory strategy in a fast-moving tech environment.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in government affairs, deep semiconductor and export controls experience, and a proven ability to build coalitions, manage external partners, and lead a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Law, Economics, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, trade policy, or regulatory affairs.
• Significant experience within the semiconductor, technology, electronics, defense, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in export controls, sanctions, international trade policy, and national security-related regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive global government affairs strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, policymakers, regulators, trade associations, think tanks, and industry coalitions worldwide.
• Represent the company before legislative and executive branch officials on issues affecting the semiconductor ecosystem.
• Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership and business units regarding emerging policy, geopolitical, and regulatory developments.
• Lead company advocacy and policy engagement strategies related to export controls, sanctions, foreign investment review, and technology transfer regulations.
• Partner closely with legal, compliance, and business leaders to navigate regulatory changes and mitigate business risks.
• Analyze geopolitical developments affecting semiconductor markets, technology competition, and global supply chains.
• Provide actionable intelligence and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support business planning through assessment of regulatory, political, and trade-related risks and opportunities.
• Partner with executive leadership, legal, compliance, communications, business development, and regional leadership teams.
• Coordinate external messaging and advocacy efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
• Manage external consultants, lobbying firms, and industry association engagements.
• Build and develop a high-performing global government affairs organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, and business unit leaders on geopolitical, regulatory, trade, and public policy developments affecting the company’s global operations and growth strategy.
• Translate complex policy, export control, national security, and geopolitical developments into clear business implications and actionable recommendations for senior executives.
• Partner closely with executive stakeholders to align government affairs strategies with corporate objectives, market expansion plans, investment decisions, and risk management priorities.
• Build consensus among cross-functional executive teams and influence decision-making on high-impact policy and regulatory matters.
• Support executive engagement with government officials, industry leaders, customers, and strategic partners on critical public policy issues.

Skills

Geopolitical awareness

Executive communication

Strategic thinking

Coalition-building

Regulatory affairs

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

KLA, a leader in semiconductor inspection and metrology, seeks a Global Government Affairs leader to shape policy and strategic engagement across jurisdictions. This role partners with executive leadership to translate policy into business impact and drive regulatory strategy in a fast-moving tech environment.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in government affairs, deep semiconductor and export controls experience, and a proven ability to build coalitions, manage external partners, and lead a