System Engineer - Optical Imaging System

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 117,800 - 200,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) including company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Tuition reimbursement program

Wellness benefits (EAP)

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas is seeking a skilled Engineer for product development of semiconductor inspection systems. The role involves driving product performance, system integration, and collaboration across teams. Candidates should possess a strong background in engineering or physical sciences, with proficiency in data analysis tools. The position offers a competitive salary between $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 annually, alongside extensive benefits including medical, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Strong background in engineering or physical sciences.
• Experience in optical system modeling and performance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with optical microscopy techniques.

Responsibilities

• Drive product development activities for semiconductor inspection systems.
• Support system-level integration across optics, imaging, hardware, software.
• Analyze product performance, identify gaps, and develop solutions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python)

Education

Doctorate Degree

Master’s Level Degree with 3 years experience

Bachelor’s Level Degree with 5 years experience

Tools

Optical microscopy techniques

Fourier optics

CCD/CMOS cameras

Job description

Job Description

• Drive product development activities for semiconductor inspection systems, with focus on performance, robustness, and manufacturability.
• Support system-level integration and development across optics, imaging, hardware, software, and application workflows.
• Analyze product performance, identify gaps, and develop solutions to improve inspection sensitivity, stability, throughput, and usability.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to evaluate system behavior, performance trade-offs, and engineering risks.
• Work with cross-functional partners to root-cause technical issues and drive corrective actions.
• Translate system and customer needs into engineering requirements, validation plans, and development priorities.
• Contribute to design reviews, technical risk assessments, and product readiness decisions.
• Develop test plans, analysis reports.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, field, and application teams to support product transfer, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Drive execution across complex technical topics with clear ownership, structured problem solving, and strong follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in engineering or physical sciences, with demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Solid understanding of the working principles of optical imaging systems and key system components.
• Experience in optical system modeling and performance analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with optical microscopy techniques.
• Good understanding of Fourier optics and geometric optics (a plus).
• Experience with lasers and illumination systems; CCD/CMOS cameras (a plus).
• Ability to independently collect data using standard tool operation and diagnostic software.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross‑functional team environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master’s Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor’s Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Compensation & Benefits

Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Benefits may 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.
• Family care and bonding leave.

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