Product Applications Development Engineer

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Position Overview

As an Applications Development Engineer in the KLA Instruments organization, you will develop, validate, and demonstrate advanced applications for existing and next‑generation metrology systems. You will play a critical role in new product introduction (NPI), working closely with engineering, product management, marketing, and global applications teams to ensure our tools deliver maximum value to customers.

This role is based in Milpitas, with hands‑on access to development tools and close collaboration with R&D. Occasional customer and regional support travel is expected.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Applications Development

• Develop and implement new applications for pre‑release and released Instruments products, including stylus profilers, optical profilers, thin‑film reflectometers, sheet‑resistance tools, and related platforms
• Design and execute characterization, feature, and verification test plans for NPI programs (alpha, beta, and ramp phases)
• Analyze measurement data, identify performance gaps, and provide clear, actionable feedback to hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
• Generate application notes, Best Known Methods (BKMs), characterization reports, and internal technical documentation

NPI & Program Execution

• Lead or support alpha and beta testing for new products and features, including test definition, sample selection, execution, and reporting
• Support demo and pilot tools during ramp, ensuring readiness for customer evaluations and early adopters
• Participate in cross‑functional design reviews, trade‑off discussions, and roadmap alignment with Product Management and Marketing

Customer & Field Enablement

• Support customer demos, head‑to‑head comparisons, and value demonstrations to drive product adoption
• Investigate customer process and application challenges and translate them into effective metrology solutions
• Develop and deliver technical training for field applications engineers, channel partners, service teams, and customers
• Provide on‑site or remote customer support as needed

Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer

• Act as a technical bridge between Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Field Applications or Channel Partners, and Customers
• Transfer application knowledge globally to regional applications teams, channel partners through documentation, training, and technical reviews
• Contribute to use‑case development, marketing collateral, and value messaging for Instruments products

Required Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field
• Strong hands‑on experimental skills and data analysis experience
• Ability to independently design experiments, analyze results, and communicate conclusions clearly
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel internationally and domestically (typically 10–40%, depending on project phase)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor or advanced materials metrology (stylus profiling, optical profiling, film thickness, resistivity, surface analysis, etc.)
• Familiarity with NPI / PLC processes and structured product development environments
• Experience supporting customer demos, evaluations, or beta tools
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis is a plus

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academ