Product Development Engineer

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 117,800 - 200,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas is looking for a Product Development Engineer to support and develop next-generation optical critical dimension metrology systems. The engineer will work closely with various teams to diagnose systems and propose solutions, ensuring success in delivering high-quality technological solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or Master’s degree with relevant experience, exhibiting strong leadership and problem-solving skills. The role may involve travel and collaboration with global engineers.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant fields or Master's with 3 years of experience.
• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills are required.
• Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead product life cycle for optical critical dimension metrology systems.
• Diagnose system issues and collaborate with experts to resolve them.
• Evaluate technologies and support customer ramp.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Opto-mechanical systems

Technical evaluation

Education

PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master’s degree with 3 years of related work experience

Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Our technologies enable the production of virtually every electronic device. We invent systems for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, ICs, packaging, PCBs and flat panel displays. We invest in research and development and emphasize innovation. Our expert teams work with leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, KLA supports global chipmakers in ramping next-generation devices to volume production. The Global Products Group (GPG) creates KLA’s metrology and inspection products. The FaST Division provides metrology solutions for optical film thickness, optical critical dimension (CD), composition, and resistivity measurement systems. The division operates globally (US, Israel, China, India) and partners with customers from early research to high-volume manufacturing.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

The Product Development Engineer plays a central role throughout the product life cycle, developing and supporting next-generation optical critical dimension metrology systems and improving current systems. The role begins with improvement projects and field/manufacturing support for the current generation, with potential progression to next-generation product development, including technology evaluation, specifications, validation, transfer to manufacturing, and customer ramp support. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership and the ability to lead high-performing teams to achieve program objectives.

The engineer must diagnose system issues, uncover root causes, and guide a team to define solutions for complex problems. They must analyze and trade off various solutions, develop action plans, and communicate plans effectively to colleagues. Collaboration with optics, electronics, mechanics, software, and algorithms experts is required. Some travel may be needed for on-site support.

Responsibilities

• Play a central role throughout the product life cycle for optical critical dimension metrology systems.
• Understand customers’ use-cases and work with groups to define requirements.
• Evaluate technologies, develop specifications, validate and verify products, transfer to manufacturing, and support customer ramp.
• Develop and release new options, features or cost reduction improvements that provide value to internal and external customers.
• Release and support product enhancements effectively.
• Diagnose system issues and work with experts to resolve them.
• Collaborate with optics, laser, stage, loader, image computation, and algorithms teams.
• Utilize engineering expertise to develop KLA's suite of products.
• Contribute to research and proposals for new product features aligned with customer requirements.
• Lead teams to resolve issues at customer sites or in manufacturing; coordinate with global engineers to establish root cause, POA, and standardized solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field. Or Master’s degree with related work experience of 3 years.
• Strong background in engineering or physical sciences with demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on experience constructing and aligning opto-mechanical systems is highly desirable.
• Experience diagnosing and solving complex problems across whole systems, applying appropriate problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively to all levels of the organization, customers, vendors, and across cultures.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field with 0 years of work experience OR Master’s degree with related work experience of 3 years.

Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 Annually

Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

EEO / Benefits

KLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application or interview process and in performing essential job functions. Details and requests: [e-mail] or [phone]. Information on pay ranges, benefits, and company programs is provided where applicable, including medical, dental, vision, life, 401(k) with company matching, ESPP, student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement, development opportunities, wellness programs, paid time off, holidays, and family care leave.

Important note

KLA does not request financial compensation for interviews or employment, and standard recruiting partners will not charge fees. If you have concerns about a posting or contact, please email [e-mail] to verify authenticity.