Product Development Engineer Intern

KLA; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 64,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA is seeking a PhD candidate to contribute to Film metrology product development in Milpitas, CA. You will learn the customer applications, gather data, and help translate findings into actionable improvements in our metrology tools.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, rigorous problem solving, and clear technical communication with internal teams and customers. This on-site opportunity supports leading semiconductor measurement technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD candidate with a background in Experimental Physics or Engineering (electrical, mechanical, optical, etc.).
• Understanding of optical, electrical, mechanical and software systems and their interactions in the context of complex industrial equipment is a plus.
• Enthusiastic communicator to provide detailed guidance to colleagues to solve problems, and technical summaries for internal functional teams and management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development, release and support of KLA Film metrology products.
• Develop deep understanding of customer applications and propose solutions based on data analysis.
• Communicate clearly through oral, written reports and project summaries.

Skills

Optical systems

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Software understanding

Communication

Education

PhD candidate

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. The Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) division delivers industry-leading metrology solutions essential to advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Its portfolio includes systems for measuring film thickness, critical dimensions, composition, and resistivity—key to developing and scaling next-gen IC processes. FaST partners closely with customers from early R&D through high-volume production, ensuring performance and process alignment.

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.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the development, release and support of KLA Film metrology products.
• Integral to this role is using one’s technical knowledge and skill for the development of a deep understanding on the customer applications and develop the technologies and products to resolve the challenging problems. The successful candidate will develop the ability to collect and appropriately filter observations to generate problem statements, produce data collection plans, analyze data and prescribe corrective actions.
• Greatcommunication is required, including oral, writing, and publishing after action reports, meeting minutes and project summaries.

Qualifications

• PhD candidate with a background in Experimental Physics or Engineering (electrical, mechanical, optical, etc.)
• Understanding of optical, electrical, mechanical and software systems and their interactions in the context of complex industrial equipment is a plus.
• Enthusiastic communicator to provide detailed guidance to colleagues to solve problems, and technical summaries for internal functional teams and management.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD candidate with a background in Experimental Physics or Engineering (electrical, mechanical, optical, etc.)

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: $56.00 - $56.00 per hour based on pursuit of a Ph.D. 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, 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.

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 US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.