System Design Engineer

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 159,500 - 271,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking a research scientist in Milpitas, CA, to contribute to semiconductor manufacturing innovations. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. or Master's in Engineering or Physics and possess strong backgrounds in optical systems and multi-disciplinary collaboration. The role involves troubleshooting complex systems, communication across disciplines, and potential international travel. Competitive pay range is $159,500 – $271,200 annually, with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, 401(k), and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• Strong background in optics and mechanical systems.
• Ability to mentor teams in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Experience in complex system design and integration.

Skills

Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes

Troubleshooting skills

Optical systems engineering

Excellent communication skills

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost‑effective manufacturing.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes or prior work on inspection/metrology tools is a plus.
• Familiarity with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 20% for customer support or engineering collaboration.
• Track record of diagnosing complex system issues and driving them to resolution. Creative and persistent approach to troubleshooting, with a focus on root cause analysis and continuous improvement of design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Able to clearly convey technical information across disciplines and to management. Experience leading technical teams or projects; ability to mentor others and foster collaboration in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Optical/Mechanical Expertise – Deep knowledge of optical systems engineering – including imaging optics, illumination design, alignment techniques, and error budget management. Familiarity with precision mechanics and motion control and their interplay with optical performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field preferred. (PhD with 5+ years, or MS with ~8+ years of experience in complex system design/integration.)
• Experience in designing and integrating complex electro‑mechanical or optical systems. Demonstrated ability to take a system from initial concept, through design/ development, to manufacturing ramp.
• Broad understanding of related domains: electronics/control systems, software algorithms, and system software integration.
• Proficiency in data analysis and modeling – e.g. using MATLAB, Python, or similar – to interpret large data sets, automate tests, and perform simulations. Solid grasp of statistical analysis, experimental design, and simulation tools.

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 – $271,200.00 Annually 
Primary Location: USA‑CA‑Milpitas.
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 +1‑408‑352‑2808 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.