Product Development Engineer (Mask Inspection System)

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA is seeking a Product Development Engineer to lead the development of the next generation mask inspection platform. You will coordinate with mechanical, electron optics, electrical, software and other systems engineers to meet technical, schedule and budget goals.

The role requires strong communication, a bias to action and the ability to work across diverse technical fields. Travel up to 25% internationally is anticipated.

Qualifications

• Doctorate or equivalent research experience in a relevant field.
• Advanced degree with related work experience as described in the minimum qualifications.
• Strong technical foundation across multiple engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Define subsystem architectures, develop requirement specifications and test plans.
• Coordinate project activities with stakeholders and perform system level tasks.
• Work with functionals groups to review designs and participate in prototype integration.

Education

Doctorate degree

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

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.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next‑generation devices to volume production quickly and cost‑effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost‑effective manufacturing.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

KLA is seeking a motivated individual with a growth mindset and strong ownership for an exciting Product Development Engineer role. The qualified candidate will join a high‑caliber team developing the next generation mask inspection platform. The candidate will act as a lead, and coordinate across multiple engineering functions: working with mechanical, electron optics, electrical, software, and other systems engineers to meet the technical, schedule, and budgetary requirements.

Ideal candidate should have a strong and diverse technical background and preferably have experience taking projects from requirements through first article testing, and hand off to frequent operators.

The role will involve requirements development, system design, and testing of sophisticated inspection systems using expertise from multiple technical fields.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Strong work ethic, bias to action, and attention to details are essential elements for success in dynamic and innovative environment.

• Define subsystem architectures, develop requirement specifications and test plans
• Coordinate project activities by actively aligning with stakeholders and perform system level tasks.
• Work with functional groups to define and review designs.
• Participate in prototype integration and testing of assemblies, and systems. Create and implement test plans and perform logical analysis to validate system performance
• Establish workflow and train/educate stakeholders on processes
• Create and document calibration, manufacturing, and service procedures
• Troubleshoot system and subsystem issues and work with various subsystem teams to identify and implement solutions
• Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the system effectively and optimize tool performance
• Lead or assist troubleshooting efforts in manufacturing and in the field
• Travel up to 25%, mostly international travel

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong knowledge and experience in digital signal processing and imaging systems (e-beam or optical).
• Experience with particle beam physics, electron optics or SEM technology and their related instrumentation is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated analysis, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills
• Strong diagnostic and trouble shooting skills in electron optics, precision mechanical, image processing, and motion control systems
• Experience with scripting languages, such as Python and/or Matlab on image and signal processing and building functional executables, would be a plus
• Strong command of general physics, math and computational skills are also highly desirable.
• Agility and ability to thrive on a fast‑paced program, take on assignments in a nonfamiliar domain, and respond quickly to field and internal escalations
• Able to establish and maintain a collaborative working relationships with partners across functional teams, demonstrating leadership and great working ethic, resolving conflicts and different opinions.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 0 years; 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: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA'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.

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.