System Design 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.

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

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