Research Scientist - Computational Electromagnetics

KLA-Belgium; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 106,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Ann Arbor, MI is hiring engineers to advance physics-based modeling for metrology in semiconductor manufacturing. You will develop high-performance numerical methods, implement algorithms in C++/CUDA, and integrate with a C#-based software stack while collaborating with an AI & Modeling Center of Excellence team.

The role emphasizes deep physics, machine learning workflows, and scalable computing, with opportunities to travel to customer sites and contribute across the product life cycle.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in physical sciences or engineering with at least 2 years of experience.
• Strong background in numerical simulations and computational electromagnetics.
• Proficient in C++ and production-quality software development.
• Experience with CUDA is a plus and travel to customer sites may be required.

Responsibilities

• Research and innovate next-generation electromagnetic solvers and algorithms for semiconductor logic/memory device metrology.
• Develop numerical models and algorithms using Matlab
• Understand when the models and algorithms break down and develop testing procedures to validate assumptions in the models
• Work with Advanced Development and Applications teams to confirm the feasibility of the new algorithms
• Productize the new algorithms in C++/CUDA and integrate it into a C#-based software solution
• Document the theory and implementation of the new algorithms, and give presentations both internally and externally regarding the work
• Provide technical support during alpha and beta testing
• Maintain new and existing algorithms and software solutions throughout the life-cycle of our tools

Skills

Numerical simulations

Inverse problems

Optimization

Computational geometry

Linear algebra

Partial differential equations

Statistics

C++

CUDA

Machine learning

Performance profiling

Memory optimization

Parallel computing

Semiconductors

Travel willingness

Education

Doctorate (Academic) in physical sciences or engineering

Master's degree or equivalent work experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

MATLAB

C#

CUDA

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.

Company Overview

Company Overview Calling the adventurers ready to join a company that's pushing the limits of nanotechnology to keep the digital revolution rolling. At KLA, we're making technology advancements that are bigger—and tinier—than the world has ever seen. Who are we? We research, develop, and manufacture the world's most advanced inspection and measurement equipment for the semiconductor and nanoelectronics industries. We enable the digital age by pushing the boundaries of technology, creating tools capable of finding defects smaller than a wavelength of visible light. We create smarter processes so that technology leaders can manufacture high-performance chips—the kind in that phone in your pocket, the tablet on your desk and nearly every electronic device you own—faster and better. We're passionate about creating solutions that drive progress and help people do what wouldn't be possible without us. The future is calling. Will you answer?

Group/Division

Group/Division KLA has always had a close relationship with physics and data. Our optical and electron beam inspection and measurement tools use cutting edge physics models, both for hardware design and as part of their algorithms. AI, including several traditional machine learning techniques and deep learning are routinely used to process this data to meet application requirements. The AI & Modeling Center of Excellence, centered in KLA’s R&D facility in Ann Arbor, MI, was setup with the mission of advancing KLA’s traditional strengths in physics and data and providing implementation solutions for multiple KLA Inspection and Metrology products targeted at the semiconductor manufacturing industry. As a part of this group, you will be part of a world class team of physicists, HPC system designers, machine learning and application engineers who build cutting edge solutions for modeling complex imaging techniques and semiconductor processes. You will also work with a data scientists and AI infrastructure engineers whose mission is to build and scale machine learning based solutions for our semiconductor customers. We are looking for engineers in a few different fields. If you are passionate about Physics Modeling, High Performance Computing – HPC (including GPU), ML, Data, or Cloud technologies – this is the place for you!

Responsibilities

• Research and innovate next-generation electromagnetic solvers and algorithms for semiconductor logic/memory device metrology
• Develop numerical models and algorithms using Matlab
• Understand when the models and algorithms break down and develop testing procedures to validate assumptions in the models
• Work with Advanced Development and Applications teams to confirm the feasibility of the new algorithms
• Productize the new algorithms in C++/CUDA and integrate it into a C#-based software solution
• Document the theory and implementation of the new algorithms, and give presentations both internally and externally regarding the work
• Provide technical support during alpha and beta testing
• Maintain new and existing algorithms and software solutions throughout the life-cycle of our tools

Qualifications

• Doctorate (Academic) in the physical sciences or engineering with at least 2 years of experience
• Strong background in numerical simulations, especially in computational electromagnetics
• Strong background in applied mathematics, especially in inverse problems, optimization algorithms, computational geometry, linear algebra, partial differential equations, and statistics
• Strong background in computer programming, especially in performance profiling, memory optimization, and parallel computing
• Proficient in machine learning algorithms, especially in the theoretical background of different ML models
• Proficient in C++, especially in writing production-quality, object-oriented code
• Experience in CUDA is a plus
• Experience in semiconductors (electrical properties, manufacturing, and metrology) is a plus
• Ability and willingness to travel worldwide to support projects at customer sites is a plus

KLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Academic), Master's Level Degree or work experience of 2 years , Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 3 years

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 - $155,300.00 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.

We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. 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.

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.

We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.