Research Scientist

KLA; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 106,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase plan

Student debt assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Career development & growth programs

Financial planning benefits

Wellness program & EAP

PTO & paid holidays

Family care and bonding leave

Job summary

KLA is seeking a highly qualified researcher for the FaST division to advance metrology and modular software features. The role emphasizes numerical methods, physics-based modeling and optimization in a team environment across semiconductor applications.

PhD in a relevant field is required, with strong C++ development and Python for data analysis. The candidate will engage across division teams to deliver high-impact computational solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant technical discipline.
• Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience.

Skills

C++ programming

Python

Communication skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering / Physics / Applied Mathematics / Computer Science

Tools

CUDA

TensorFlow

JAX

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.

Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) division

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.

Qualifications

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field preferred. Strong background in numerical methods, scientific computing, physics-based modeling, and optimization algorithms. Proficiency in C++ software development. Experience with Python for algorithm development and data analysis. Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with electromagnetic simulation and numerical solution of field equations, including methods such as RCWA, FDTD, FEM, or related techniques. Experience with inverse problems, optimization, uncertainty quantification, and regression methods. Experience with machine learning and AI techniques. Experience with HPC software development, including CUDA, TensorFlow, JAX, GPU computing, and parallel processing. Experience in semiconductor metrology, computational imaging, optical metrology, or related fields is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in a relevant technical discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience.

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: $105,900.00 - $180,000.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-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.

Additional Information

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