Product Development Engineer

KLA-Belgium; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 97,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA is seeking a Product Development Engineer in Ann Arbor to support electron beam based metrology tools. You will work in a cross‑functional team to develop next‑generation metrology instruments and optimize performance across product lifecycles.

The role emphasizes systems engineering, detailed specification work, and collaboration with service, manufacturing and marketing to deliver robust solutions worldwide.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of precision instruments and control systems.
• Proven problem-solving track record.
• Experience with high vacuum systems and electron beam instruments.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational and analytical skills.
• Willingness to travel for training and customer support worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed requirement specifications from performance requirements using systems engineering methodology.
• Develop and implement design improvements to current and next-generation products.
• Apply systems engineering to optimize instrument performance.
• Test and validate system design improvements.
• Draft documentation for assembly and training procedures.
• Drive troubleshooting of field customer concerns, remotely or on-site worldwide.
• Interface with service, manufacturing and marketing to define and optimize system performance.
• Write high-level technical reports and recommendations.
• Design and drive multi-disciplinary experiments and detailed test plans.
• Coordinate with outside vendors to deliver sub-system products.

Skills

Precision instruments

Control systems

Problem solving

Electron beam instruments

Oral and written communication

Travel willingness

Education

Doctorate or Master’s/PhD with related experience

Tools

Scanning electron microscopes

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.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

KLA is looking for a Product Development Engineer to support electron beam based metrology instruments developed in our engineering group in Ann Arbor. The engineer will work within a cross‑functional team developing the next generation of KLA metrology tools!

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed requirement specifications from performance requirements using systems engineering methodology.


• Work with a team to develop and implement innovative design improvements to currently released products as well as development of novel next‑generation products.


• Apply systems engineering principles to optimize critical systems‑level instrument performance.


• Test and validate systems design improvements.


• Draft documentation for assembly and training procedures.


• Drive troubleshooting of field customer concerns of sophisticated system performance problems, by providing written plans of action remotely or provide active technical leadership on‑site at customer sites worldwide.


• Interface closely with service, manufacturing and marketing teams to define and optimize system performance and resolve performance issues.


• Write high‑level technical reports to communicate issues, analysis, technical assessments, system status, best‑known‑methods, and engineering recommendations.


• Design and drive multi‑disciplinary experiments, write detailed test plans for systems testing.


• Coordinate with outside vendors to develop and deliver sub‑system products.

Qualifications / Education Desired

• Have a solid understanding of precision instruments and control systems.


• Must have solid track record of problem solving.


• Experience with high vacuum systems.


• Experience with electron beam based instruments such as scanning electron microscopes.


• Have excellent oral and written communication, organizational and analytical skills.


• Previous experience with process control instrument systems for semiconductor industry is preferred.


• Travel for training and for support of customers worldwide is required.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years.

Base Pay Range & Primary Location

Base Pay Range: $97,000.00 - $164,900.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLA

Total Rewards Package & 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.

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.

Accommodation Contact

Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.

Fraudulent Posting Warning

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.

Additional Information

KLA is hiring talented engineers, physicists, data scientists and other problem‑solvers all across the US. Do you have a passion for solving complex technical challenges? Check out our job openings! 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.