Optics Technology Manager

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401(K) matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

KLA is seeking an Optics Technology Manager to advance business priorities by delivering high-impact work across optics, sensors, and metrology. You will partner with CTO teams and suppliers to guide technology choices from design through production, ensuring manufacturability and risk mitigation.

You will lead collaborations across Engineering and Operations, shaping roadmaps, and driving successful technology transitions with international supplier engagement and travel.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Physics, Optics, EE with 5+ years of experience.
• Technical expertise in at least two optics areas: design, coating, metrology, optomechanics, materials.
• Collaborative with strong technical foundation and good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop supplier technology roadmap to enable KLA’s product roadmap.
• Provide leadership and continuity of relationships with technology suppliers.
• Be accountable for technology success from R&D to production.
• Drive collaboration between CTO, Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Support technology prototyping, problem solving and risk mitigation.

Skills

Optics design

Metrology

Coatings

Education

PhD or MS in Physics/Optics/EE

Tools

SEMI metrology

Lithography equipment

Job description

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.

Preferred Qualifications

The Optics Technology Manager will join a high-performing CTO team of technologists driving innovation in sensors, sources, and optics.

The program manager will work closely with strategic suppliers in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems.

The program manager will engage with KLA technologist at the architecture stage and provide technical guidance related to technology supplier selection, risk assessment and manufacturability.

Develop supplier technology roadmap to enable KLA’s product roadmap

Provide leadership and continuity of relationship with technology suppliers

Be accountable for technology success from R&D to Production

Drive collaboration between CTO, Engineering, and Operations teams

Support technology prototyping, problem solving and risk mitigation

Required Qualifications

PhD or MS in Physics, Optics, EE with a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience. Technical expertise in at least 2 optics areas: design, coating, metrology, optomech, materials Collaborative with a strong technical foundation and effective communication skills Ability to travel up to 10% internationally

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with SEMI metrology or litho related companies

Experience with Technology Supplier Management in Optics, Lasers or SEMI industry

Knowledge of SEMI DUV/UV optics suppliers, coating equipment manufacturers

Knowledge of Patent/IP portfolio and Development Agreements

Knowledge of lasers, laser damage threshold and DUV degradation mechanisms

Understanding of photo-contamination control and cleanroom protocols

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years

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

Total Rewards Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $233,967.00 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
• 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 at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation. For additional information, view 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

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.