Manufacturing Engineer - Laser Systems

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

Employee stock purchase program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA Milpitas is seeking a Laser Systems Engineer to advance next-generation laser technology used in semiconductor equipment. The role blends engineering, manufacturing, and customer success to resolve complex challenges, improve system performance, and drive reliability across global operations.

This position requires collaboration, travel up to 25%, and a strong foundation in laser fundamentals. You will influence engineering decisions, contribute to risk assessments, and document processes to

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a STEM field.
• Hands-on experience with laser alignment and optical systems.
• Experience leading root-cause investigations using structured methods.
• Ability to collaborate across global teams and travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for laser and optical systems across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams.
• Investigate and resolve complex manufacturing and field escalations, finding root causes.
• Lead projects to understand laser behavior and optimization opportunities.
• Develop and refine laser alignment, calibration, and qualification processes.
• Use data and problem-solving to improve yield and product performance.
• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams on new product introductions and transfers.
• Create technical documentation and training for consistent manufacturing execution.

Skills

Laser systems fundamentals

Optical alignment

Root cause investigations

Structured problem-solving

Education

Advanced Degree in a STEM field

Tools

Laser alignment equipment

Optical system integration tools

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 KLA has manufacturing sites worldwide. The Global Operations (GOPS) team, comprised of Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Installation and Quality, builds our leading-edge technology. GOPS partners with KLA's global supply base and design engineering teams to develop new products, working continuously to build better, faster and more cost-efficient solutions.

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.

Make an Impact on Next-Generation Laser Systems Join a team where you'll do far more than maintain existing technology—you'll be the technical expert driving the performance, reliability, and evolution of advanced laser systems used in cutting-edge semiconductor equipment.

As a Laser Systems Engineer, you'll work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and customer success. You'll tackle complex technical challenges, resolve critical manufacturing and field issues, and lead initiatives that directly improve system performance, product quality, and operational efficiency. Your work will influence how our lasers are built, how they perform in the field, and how future generations of technology are developed.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the subject matter expert for laser and optical systems, partnering across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams to drive performance improvements.
• Investigate and resolve complex manufacturing and customer field escalations, identifying root causes and implementing lasting solutions.
• Lead projects focused on understanding laser behavior, performance drivers, and opportunities for optimization.
• Develop and refine laser alignment, calibration, and qualification processes to achieve world-class quality and reliability.
• Use data and structured problem-solving methods to improve yield, reduce variation, and enhance product performance.
• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams on new product introductions, manufacturing transfers, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Create technical documentation and provide training that enables consistent execution across manufacturing operations.
• Drive resolution of system-level and optical performance challenges that have a direct impact on customers and business results.

What We're Looking For

• Advanced Degree in a STEM education
• Strong understanding of laser systems and laser performance fundamentals.
• Hands-on experience with laser alignment, optical system integration, or optical component qualification.
• Experience leading root cause investigations and applying structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment and communicate effectively across global teams.
• Comfortable working in cleanroom environments and traveling domestically and internationally (up to 25%).

Minimum Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelors degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work 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: $106,700.00 - $156,500.00 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 at [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. We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Additional Information

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If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [e-mail] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.