Regional Applications Development Engineer

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, California, is seeking a qualified engineer/scientist to advance metrology and inspection tools used in wafer fabs. The role emphasizes test development, product characterization, and customer engagement to translate complex requirements into reliable solutions.

The successful candidate will hold a degree in Engineering/Physics/Materials Science, possess strong data analysis and scripting skills (MATLAB/Python), and be able to travel about half the time to support global

Qualifications

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-driven, yet a strong team player.
• Programming/scripting skills in MATLAB or Python are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop test cases; characterize new products and features; demonstrate metrology relevance to customer yield issues.
• Provide technical support in the development and implementation of customer applications dealing with PWG products and features.
• Provide specific product demonstrations on all aspects of highly complex products to customers and assess potential applications to meet customer needs; prepare detailed product specifications.
• Characterize tool/algorithm performance and provide feedback to Engineering teams for product improvement, especially during Alpha/Beta tests.
• Utilize data analysis/processing and statistical techniques to address customer requirements.
• Travel up to 50%.
• Communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering/Physics/Material Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

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.

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 Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non‑uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

Responsibilities:

• Develop test cases; Characterize new products and/or features; Demonstrate metrology relevance to customer yield issues.
• Provide technical support in the development and implementation of customer applications dealing with PWG products and features.
• Provide specific product demonstrations on all aspects of highly complex products to customers and assess potential applications to meet customer needs; prepare detailed product specifications.
• The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills, be current in the customer use case domain, have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently.
• The candidate will also be required to work towards characterization of the tool/algorithm performance and provides clear feedback to the Engineering teams for product improvement, especially during Alpha/Beta tests.
• Strong technical skills are required to understand the functionality and capabilities of these tools and for providing root cause analysis and potential solutions for customers.
• Such skills include (but are not limited to) techniques for data analysis/processing, statistical analysis as well as the ability to quickly pick up and understand customer requirements and processes.
• 50% travel will be required

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidate must have Master’s or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or related fields.
• The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing.
• Candidate must have excellent oral and written communication, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Candidate must be self-driven, yet a strong team player.
• Programming and scripting skills in MATLAB or Python are a plus

Base Pay Range: $97,800.00 - $166,300.00 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, 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.

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.