Senior Algorithm Engineer

KLA; United States; On-site; USD 186,000 - 317,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA is seeking a Senior Algorithm Engineer in Milpitas, CA to develop next-generation computational, AI-driven, and physics-based algorithms for semiconductor process control and optical metrology. This role intersects machine learning, computational imaging, software engineering, and semiconductor manufacturing.

The ideal candidate will lead algorithm development, collaborate across software, optics, applications, and hardware teams, and contribute to production deployment of AI-enabled

Qualifications

• Must have 10+ years of algorithm development in production environments.
• Strong programming experience in Python, MATLAB, and C++.
• Experience developing ML, DL, or AI-based solutions.
• Background in numerical methods, statistical modeling, optimization, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize advanced algorithms for metrology, inspection, and process control.
• Develop ML/DL/physics-informed models to improve measurement accuracy and throughput.
• Build scalable software for training, validation, and deployment in production.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

Machine Learning

Numerical Methods

Statistical Modeling

Communication

Education

MS or PhD in CS/EE/Physics/Applied Math/Computational Imaging/ML

Job description

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 Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) Division provides industry leading metrology solutions for worldwide semiconductor IC manufacturers. The FaST Division portfolio of metrology products include hardware and software solutions for optical film thickness, optical critical dimension (CD), composition, and resistivity measurement systems. These products are essential for the IC manufacturers as they provide critical metrology capabilities for the development and implementation of their advanced IC processes. The FaST division is committed to support our customers to achieve performance entitlement of our solution and we effectively partner with our customers from their early research and development phase to the high volume in-line manufacturing implementation specific for their process needs. The division consists of a global team located in US, Israel, China, and India.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

KLA’s Films and Scatterometry Technologies Division is seeking a highly skilled Senior Algorithm Engineer to develop next-generation computational, AI-driven, and physics-based algorithms for semiconductor process control and optical metrology applications. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of machine learning, computational imaging, software engineering, and semiconductor manufacturing.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in algorithm development, strong software engineering skills, and a passion for solving complex technical challenges that directly impact the semiconductor industry's most advanced technology nodes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize advanced algorithms for semiconductor metrology, inspection, and process control applications.
• Develop machine learning, deep learning, and physics-informed models to improve measurement accuracy, throughput, and product performance.
• Build scalable software solutions that support algorithm development, training, validation, and deployment in production environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including software, systems, optics, applications, and hardware engineers to deliver innovative product capabilities.
• Apply computational imaging, computer vision, signal processing, and statistical analysis techniques to solve challenging customer problems.
• Investigate emerging AI technologies and develop proof-of-concept solutions that support future product roadmaps.
• Drive performance optimization using GPU acceleration, high-performance computing, and efficient software architectures.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends, improve model performance, and accelerate product development.
• Contribute to technical leadership through design reviews, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Imaging, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• 10+ years of industry experience developing algorithms in a production environment.
• Strong programming experience in Python, MATLAB and C++.
• Experience developing machine learning, deep learning, or AI-based solutions.
• Experience developing physical algorithms for optical and x-ray electromagnetic simulations.
• Strong background in numerical methods, statistical modeling, optimization, and data analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with semiconductor metrology, inspection, lithography, or process control applications.

• Electromagnetic theory and simulations
• Numerical simulations and optimization
• Signal processing, probability, and statistics
• Optical system modeling
• Machine learning and deep learning
• Computational electromagnetics
• Image processing
• Familiarity with surrogate modeling, neural operators, or AI-driven simulation acceleration methodologies.
• Experience building production-grade software that integrates algorithms into customer-facing products.

What You’ll Work On

In this exciting role, you will help develop breakthrough algorithmic technologies supporting the next generation of semiconductor process control systems. Projects may include AI-assisted metrology, advanced computational modeling, high-speed simulation acceleration, machine learning infrastructure, optical and image-based measurements, and next-generation automation initiatives. Certain international travel (<10%) may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 5 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 12 years

Base Pay Range: $186,200.00 - $316,500.00 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 [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.

KLA specializes in advanced equipment and services that drive innovation across the electronics industry, enhancing manufacturing processes for wafers, integrated circuits, and printed circuit boards.

Semiconductor Manufacturing Computers and Electronics Manufacturing Manufacturing

3 Technology Dr, Milpitas, California 95035, US