Senior Optical Engineer

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. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards, and flat panel displays. The company invests 15% of sales back into R&D, focusing on innovation with expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists, and problem-solvers.

About the Role

The RAPID division, the world's leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry, is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build, and qualify various optical subsystems for inspection tools. You will lead the design of custom metrology systems, interact closely with systems engineering to define performance criteria, and work with hardware and software teams throughout the product design process.

Responsibilities

• Investigate different design options and evaluate tolerances, manufacturability, light budgets, and other trade-offs to determine the best solution.
• Translate system or subsystem requirements into optical design and manufacturing requirements.
• Perform thorough tolerancing analysis, considering alignment processes, metrology, system calibrations, and opto-mechanical design limitations in collaboration with other groups (systems, ME).
• Design and implement optical alignment and metrology processes, test/tooling fixtures to achieve targeted optical performance.
• Follow a complete design process, including design reviews, part procurement from vendors, testing, integration, and release.
• Investigate issues from customers or manufacturing and provide design solutions or work-arounds.
• Propose optical design improvements to enhance tool performance such as SNR, throughput, or manufacturability.
• Debug and solve optical problems that arise within the system.

Qualifications

• Optical design experience in imaging and illumination systems, delivering in-spec performance, cost, and manufacturability on time.
• Statistical optical component and alignment tolerancing.
• Ability to create specifications for precision opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Proficiency in optical modeling software such as Code V, Zemax, or LightTools.
• Non-sequential ray tracing using LightTools to model high-precision optics, surface scattering, and conduct stray light analysis.
• Experience with optical module and system build, alignment, and debugging.
• Test stand design and build: concept, error budget, and realization.
• Knowledge of diverse optical devices and components such as objectives, collimators, CGH, relay optics, fibers, cameras, lasers, and detectors.
• Strong understanding of optics and physics to analyze complex optical phenomena.
• Proficiency in computing languages such as Matlab or Python.
• Product development or research experience in high-precision optics or optical modules.
• Experience working with cross-disciplinary engineers to solve complex problems in a timely manner.

Skills

• Ability to learn and apply new information or skills.
• Strong customer focus and commitment to satisfaction through prioritization, quality, efficiency, and professionalism.
• Attention to detail and high degree of accuracy in completing assignments.
• Ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment with changing workloads and deadlines.
• Result-driven with demonstrated ownership and accountability.
• Identifies bottlenecks and drives improvements.
• Works independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with managers, co-workers, and customers.
• Quickly acquires technical knowledge from documentation and on-the-job training, capable of thoroughly investigating technical issues analytically and hands-on in a lab.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey progress and status to colleagues, stakeholders, and managers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering (preferred) or Physics.
• Three to five years of professional experience in high-end optical system development; microscope experience is a bonus.
• Experience in high-precision optical tools' manufacturing is a plus.
• Strong background in geometrical optics, Fourier optics, lens design, radiometry, optical metrology, illumination optics, optical imaging systems, optical alignment, polarization, and optical aberration.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree with 0 years of related work experience; Master's Level Degree with 3 years of related work experience; or Bachelor's Level Degree with 5 years of related work experience.

Pay

Base pay range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 annually.

Benefits

• Performance incentive programs.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits.
• 401(K) with company matching.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).
• Student debt assistance and 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.