Job Posting Title Director - R&D, Advanced Technologies

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 192,000 - 336,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K matching

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, driving innovations across wafer processing, metrology, and control. The SensArray division delivers in-situ processing measurement and control solutions to fabs and mask shops, enabling high yields and cost-effective production.

The role leads multidisciplinary teams, shapes long-term technology strategy, and drives IP creation while aligning investments with business goals.

Qualifications

• Must have 15+ years in semiconductor equipment, metrology, sensors, process control, or related tech fields.
• 8+ years of leadership experience managing engineering/technical teams.
• Proven track record delivering innovative programs from concept to commercialization.
• Experience building long-range tech roadmaps and R&D investment plans.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the SensArray technology strategy and roadmap.
• Lead R&D programs for next-generation semiconductor process characterization.
• Drive product planning and technology incubation efforts.
• Identify industry tech inflections and market trends to sustain leadership.
• Mentor and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams to meet objectives.
• Develop IP through invention disclosures, patent strategy, and differentiation.

Skills

Leadership

Executive communication

Technology roadmaps

R&D strategy

Semiconductor metrology

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering

MS in Engineering

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 SensArray division is the world leading provider of in situ processing measurement and control solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides measurement and control solutions to both semiconductor fabs and mask shops to ensure that yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing SensArray business unit is dedicate to support customer R&D phase as well as HVM with in-situ thermal process control. SensArray business unit enable APC (Automated Process Control) to improve process optimization and yield improvement.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

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.

Minimum 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Minimum 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.

Base Pay Range: $192,000.00 - $336,000.00 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.

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.