Optical Engineering Intern

KLA; Ann Arbor Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(K) including company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA seeks a highly motivated intern for its optical engineering track in Ann Arbor, MI. You will design and document optical sub‑components for inspection tools, using Zemax and related software, while collaborating with EE, opto‑mechanical engineering and computer science teams.

You’ll gain hands‑on experience in a cutting‑edge semiconductor environment, with opportunities for lab setup, alignment of sub‑assemblies, and cross‑disciplinary problem solving.

Qualifications

• Taken classes in optical engineering and lens design.
• Fundamental knowledge of ray tracing; Zemax experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing optical/sub‑components for inspection tools.
• Model and document optical systems using Zemax and other software.
• Collaborate with electrical, opto‑mechanical engineering and CS teams in a lab setting.

Skills

Optical engineering

Lens design

Ray tracing

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Graduate program in Optics

Tools

Zemax

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. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build-and how we build it.

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.

Job Description/Responsibilities

KLA is looking for high-energy interns for several exciting projects this coming summer in our Ann Arbor, Michigan location. We will provide you with a unique experience learning about our cutting edge semiconductor industry equipment!

You will have the opportunity to contribute to optical and opto-mechanical sub-components for KLA's inspection tools. You will be designing, modeling and documenting optical systems related to semiconductor inspection. There will be the opportunity for collaborations with different fields such as electrical engineering, opto-mechanical engineering and computer science. The candidate will be using ray-tracing programs such as Zemax and other industry standard software. Hands-on set-up and alignment of opto-mechanical sub-assemblies in a laboratory environment will be required.

Qualifications/Education Desired

We are looking for a candidate that has taken classes in optical engineering and lens design. Fundamental knowledge of ray-racing programs is required, and experience with Zemax is a plus. The candidate should have strong analytical capabilities, strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Must demonstrate perseverance and ability to work collaboratively with a geographically diverse range of individuals.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently enrolled in 4-year graduate program in Optics or related field with immigration authorization to undertake corporate internship projects.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• 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
• family care and bonding leave

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. 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.

Qualifications/Education Desired

We are looking for a candidate that has taken classes in optical engineering and lens design. Fundamental knowledge of ray-racing programs is required, and experience with Zemax is a plus. The candidate should have strong analytical capabilities, strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Must demonstrate perseverance and ability to work collaboratively with a geographically diverse range of individuals.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires less than 1 year of related 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: $26.00 - $47.00 per hour based on pursuit of a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D.
Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-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:

• participation in performance incentive programs
• eligibility for additional benefits
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• 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
• 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.