System Design Engineer (Hardware)

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a System Design Engineer to innovate next-generation inspection tools for semiconductor manufacturing. This role involves transforming market needs into system designs, developing cutting-edge inspection solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in optical design and sensor technology, along with excellent communication skills to engage with diverse teams and customers. Join a forward-thinking company that invests heavily in R&D and offers a competitive total rewards package, including performance incentives and development opportunities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness benefits

Paid time off

Family leave

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge in optical design and sensor technology.
• Experience in statistical analysis and simulation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Transform market requirements into system configurations.
• Develop inspection solutions to improve sensitivity and throughput.
• Collaborate with teams for successful tool integration.

Skills

High-resolution optical design

High-speed sensor technology

Advanced image/signal processing

Statistical analysis

Simulation

Project management

Multitasking

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in relevant field

Master’s degree with 2 years experience

Bachelor’s degree with 5 years experience

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. Our focus on innovation is reflected in our investment of 15% of sales back into R&D. Our teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists, and problem-solvers collaborate with leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers worldwide rely on KLA to ensure their fabs ramp next-generation devices efficiently. The Global Products Group (GPG) creates KLA’s metrology and inspection products. The Surfscan group, part of GPG, includes engineers, technology developers, application engineers, and product marketing teams focused on technology that enables wafer, IC, and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify, and monitor their process tools. Our flagship products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and defect inspection during wafer fabrication.

Job Description & Preferred Qualifications

The Surfscan Division develops unpatterned wafer surface inspection tools that provide the sensitivity and throughput required for current and next-generation semiconductor substrates. We support multiple engineering programs and products, especially as we ramp up on next-generation products.

We are seeking a System Design Engineer for the development of our next-generation inspection tools. Responsibilities include:

• Transforming market and customer requirements into system configurations
• Developing novel inspection solutions to improve sensitivity and throughput, including designing experiments to validate ideas
• Defining system error budgets and translating system requirements into sub-module requirements
• Collaborating with functional teams to ensure successful tool integration and product launch
• Creating and executing prototype test plans for systems and complex subsystems
• Engaging with customer technical teams to resolve system issues in manufacturing or at customer sites
• Preferred experience in inspection or metrology, especially within semiconductor manufacturing
• Project management skills (scoping, budgeting, scheduling) are a plus

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge in high-resolution optical design, high-speed sensor technology, advanced image/signal processing, statistical analysis, and simulation. Strong multitasking, independent work, and motivation are essential. Excellent communication skills are required for interaction across all levels of the division, customers, vendors, and diverse cultures.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD degree with no experience required, or Master’s degree with 2 years related work experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 5 years related work experience.

Our total rewards include competitive salary, performance incentives, medical/dental/vision/life insurance, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, development opportunities, wellness benefits, paid time off, and family leave. Interns are eligible for some benefits. Pay ranges are role, level, and location-dependent. For specific pay details, please consult with your recruiter during the hiring process.

KLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact us at [e-mail] or [phone] for assistance.

Please beware of fraudulent postings. KLA does not ask for payment for employment or work with recruiters charging fees. Verify job postings on KLA’s Careers website. For concerns about legitimacy, contact [e-mail].