Sr. AI/ML Engineer - Systems

KLA; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Ann Arbor, MI seeks an AI/ML Engineer - Systems to turn AI/ML research into production-ready systems. You will work with a small, collaborative team of ML engineers, software engineers, and product partners to build scalable AI capabilities.

This hands-on role focuses on integration, performance, and operational excellence for AI workloads. Based at our Midwest HQ in Ann Arbor, you will own real problems, learn how complex systems scale, and mentor others as you grow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Data Science/AI; Master's/PhD preferred.
• 8+ years software engineering with 3-5 years AI/ML in production.
• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries; RAG experience essential.
• Strong background in statistics, ML DL, NN, and system architecture.
• Experience with cloud platforms, DevOps, and data processing tech.
• Ability to lead technical projects in matrix environments.
• Excellent communication of technical concepts to non-technical partners.
• Familiar with Git, CI/CD, Agile, and system design patterns.

Responsibilities

• Integrate AI/ML components into applications and pipelines for reliability.
• Improve system and model performance: latency, throughput, reliability, efficiency.
• Design scalable, resilient AI/ML systems that adapt to new use cases.
• Ensure security, compliance, observability, and operational readiness.
• Support deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting in production.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver AI capabilities.

Skills

Python

ML Libraries (TensorFlow/Scikit-Learn)

RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)

Git

CI/CD

Cloud & DevOps

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Data Science/AI

Master's/PhD preferred

Tools

TensorFlow

Scikit-learn

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD tools

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

The Information Technology (IT) group at KLA is involved in every aspect of the global business. IT’s mission is to enable business growth and productivity by connecting people, process, and technology. It focuses not only on enhancing the technology that enables our business to thrive but also on how employees use and are empowered by technology. This integrated approach to customer service, creativity and technological excellence enables employee productivity, business analytics, and process excellence.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking a AI/ML Engineer - Systems to help turn AI/ML research into systems that run reliably in production. In this role, you’ll work with a small, collaborative team of ML engineers, subject‑matter experts, software engineers, and product partners to integrate AI/ML capabilities into scalable, production-ready systems that teams depend on.

This is a hands-on systems role focused on integration, performance optimization, and operational excellence for AI/ML workloads. If you enjoy owning real problems, learning how complex systems scale, and improving AI systems that are actively used in production, we’d love to hear from you! This role will be based at our Midwest HQ in Ann Arbor, MI.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate AI/ML components into existing applications, services, and pipelines, with a focus on long-term reliability and maintainability.
• Improve system and model performance across latency, throughput, reliability, and resource efficiency, and participate in practical trade‑off discussions.
• Collaborate on the design and implementation of scalable, resilient AI/ML systems that evolve as new use cases emerge.
• Help ensure AI/ML systems meet enterprise expectations for security, compliance, observability, and operational readiness.
• Support deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting of AI/ML systems in production.
• Work closely with cross-functional partners to deliver stable, high-impact AI capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MLOps or ML systems engineering practices such as CI/CD, monitoring, model versioning, or rollback strategies.
• Familiarity with containerized or cloud-based deployment environments.
• Exposure to performance tuning, reliability engineering, or operational support for AI/ML systems.

Why You’ll Enjoy Working With Us

We build AI systems the same way we build teams - by working closely together, learning continuously, and being thoughtful about the trade‑offs we make.

You’ll deepen your systems expertise by working on AI solutions used by real teams, seeing how those systems behave in production, and learning from experienced engineers along the way.

As you grow, you’ll also have opportunities to take on more ownership and mentor others, shaping how AI systems are built and operated.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or a related field. Master's and/or PhD preferred
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant software engineering, along with 3-5 years of experience in AI/ML, with a proven track record of deploying solutions in a production environment.
• Proficiency in Python, or similar languages, with experience in libraries like TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, etc. Experience with RAG is essential.
• Strong background in statistics, machine learning algorithms, deep learning, neural networks, and system architecture.
• Strong understanding of cloud platforms, DevOps practices, and data processing technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and work effectively in matrix environments.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical team members and business partners.
• Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, agile methodologies, and system design patterns.

Base Pay Range: $129,600.00 - $220,300.00 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. 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.