Optical Engineer

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA is seeking an electron optics engineer in Milpitas, CA to refine current electron beam technologies and develop next-generation solutions. You will calibrate and operate SEM systems, analyze results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and hands-on experience in electron optics; travel up to 10% and strong communication skills are expected. Competitive benefits accompany the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM field; 0+ years experience (minimum).
• Hands-on troubleshooting, diagnostics, and calibration of scanning electron microscopes (SEM).
• Fundamental knowledge of electron optics, surface science and imaging.
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills; self-starter in team settings.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on operation, maintenance, and calibration of electron beam tools or benches.
• Develop and run experiments to characterize systems and mitigate risks.
• Analyze, diagnose, and deliver practical, high-impact solutions for technical problems.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams and communicate effectively with customers.
• Travel up to 10% for vendor and customer interactions.

Skills

Electron optics

SEM operation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Materials, Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

MEBS

OPERA

ANSYS

COMSOL

MATLAB

Python

C++

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

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next‑generation devices to volume production quickly and cost‑effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. First to deliver the best imaging and classification data for every defect or point on any layer at any time. EBeam’s mission encapsulates its role as the “eyes” of KLA’s product line, providing timely information on defects and critical locations on the wafer at the highest spatial resolution possible. Customers use EBeam products alongside KLA patterned and bare wafer inspectors to quickly understand the nature of defects and other imperfections on product wafers and take action to correct the manufacturing process.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

Our dynamic e‑beam technology team is seeking an electron optics engineer to refine current technologies and orchestrate the development of next‑generation solutions. In this role, you will dive into a hands‑on role in the development and calibration of innovative electron beam systems. You will be at the forefront of technological advancements, driving impactful projects that shape the future of our industry.

Responsibilities

• Hands‑on operation, maintenance, and calibration of electron beam tools or benches.
• Develop and run experiments to characterize systems and mitigate critical risks, ensuring top performance and reliability.
• Analyze, diagnose, and deliver practical, high‑impact solutions for challenging technical problems.
• Collaborate with multi‑functional teams and communicate effectively with customers.
• Enjoy opportunities for global engagement, with up to 10% travel for vendor and customer interactions.
• Develop and document training material, troubleshooting procedures and Best Known Methods (BKMs).
• Coordinate tool schedules and train other users on operation of tools.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics, Mathematics, Materials, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
• Hands‑on experience with system level trouble shooting, diagnostics, and calibration of scanning electron microscopes e.g. SEM.
• Fundamental knowledge of electron optics, surface science and imaging.
• Outstanding analytical ability, clear communication, and presentation skills; a self‑starter who thrives in team settings.
• Demonstrated ability to act independently, plan and drive work to resolution.
• Proficiency with electron optics simulation tools (e.g., MEBS, OPERA, ANSYS, COMSOL), scripting languages (Matlab, Python, C++) is a plus.
• Semiconductor capital equipment experience is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience

Base Pay Range

Base Pay Range: $79,600.00 - $135,300.00 Annually

Primary Location

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Benefits

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. 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. We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. 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. We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.