Sr. Systems Design Engineer (Optics, Opto-Mechanics, Motion Control Systems)

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 271,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(K) with company matching

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

KLA, a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, seeks a system design engineer for the Broadband Plasma division in Milpitas, CA. You will analyze requirements, design complex inspection systems, and work across disciplines to optimize tool performance.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, testing, and field support, with occasional travel. PhD/MS in related fields and strong Python scripting are highly valued.

Qualifications

• PhD or Masters preferred; strong background in optics and engineering.
• Experience with optical imaging and control motion systems is required.
• Python scripting for data collection and analysis is essential.

Responsibilities

• Define system architecture and develop requirement specifications and test plans.
• Create and review designs with functional groups.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate system performance.
• Troubleshoot and implement solutions in manufacturing and in the field.
• Support internal and external customers in optimizing tool performance.
• Lead troubleshoot efforts in manufacturing and in the field.
• Occasional travel will be required.

Skills

Python scripting

System design

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

PhD in applied optics, mechanical/electrical engineering, physics or related disciplines

MS in related field

BS in related field

Job description

Company Overview

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

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 Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield‑critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.

Job Description

The system design engineer will work within the Broadband Plasma products. This role will involve requirements analysis, system design and testing of complex inspection systems using expertise from multiple technical disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Work with marketing and engineering to define system architecture and develop requirement specifications and test plans
• Work with functional groups to define and review designs.
• Create and execute test plans and perform analysis to validate system performance.
• Perform system-level trouble shooting and work with functional team to implement solutions
• Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and optimize tool performance.
• Lead troubleshoot efforts in manufacturing and in the field
• Occasional travel will be required.

Qualifications

• Must have a strong background in engineering or the physical science and demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills in complex optical imaging and control motion systems
• Experience with image processing and/or a good understanding of signal/imaging process algorithm is a plus
• Highly experienced with Python scripting for data collection and analysis
• Agility and ability to thrive on a fast pacing program and respond quickly to field and internal escalations
• Must be an effective communicator able to share technical information with functional groups and provide executive level reports to management and customers
• PhD or Masters, in applied optics, mechanical/electrical engineering, physics or related disciplines desired
• Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range

$159,500.00 - $271,200.00 Annually

Primary Location

USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Accommodation

Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.

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