Software Engineer – Linux Infrastructure and Distributed Computing

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 232,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) matching

ESPP

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

KLA, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing solutions, seeks software engineers to design and build scalable, high-performance systems for Surfscan platforms. The role emphasizes C++ development on Linux, distributed architectures, and GPU-accelerated workloads, with opportunities to work on HPC, AI/ML-enabled tooling and cloud-native technologies.

Ideal candidates have 2–5 years of professional experience, strong C++ skills, and familiarity with Kubernetes and Docker.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 2-5 years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ using OOP, data structures and algorithms.
• Experience on Linux-based operating systems.
• Experience with UI/UX of software development lifecycle, testing and debugging.
• Understanding of multithreaded programming, synchronization and concurrency.

Skills

C++

Linux

Multithreading

Distributed systems

Performance analysis

Networking TCP/IP

AI/ML familiarity

Education

BSc/MSc in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

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 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

• Experience designing and developing scalable distributed systems or large-scale data processing applications.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and distributed system design principles.
• Experience with performance analysis, profiling, and optimization of high-performance software applications.
• Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, containerized applications, and cloud-native technologies.
• Familiarity with High Performance Computing (HPC), parallel computing, RDMA, and high-speed networking technologies.
• Experience with GPU computing, CUDA programming, and performance optimization of accelerated workloads.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies, frameworks, or infrastructure.
• Experience leveraging AI-powered development tools to improve software quality, engineering productivity, testing, and debugging workflows.
• Experience supporting mission-critical production software and complex customer-driven technical issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2-5 years of professional software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C++ software development using object-oriented programming principles, data structures, and algorithms.
• Experience developing applications on Linux-based operating systems.
• Experience with software design, implementation, testing, and debugging throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Understanding of multithreaded programming, synchronization, and concurrency concepts.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP and client-server architectures.
• Experience using source control, build tools, and standard software development practices in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and software debugging skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Base Pay Range: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 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.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [e-mail] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.