Sr. Reliability Engineer - SEM Systems

About the Role

Join a team solving complex reliability challenges on advanced SEM systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. This is a hands-on engineering role where you'll identify failure mechanisms, investigate root causes, and drive real-world solutions that improve system performance and uptime. We're looking for someone who enjoys working closely with hardware, digging into the data, and taking ownership from problem identification through implementation, not just analyzing issues, but fixing them.

Responsibilities

• Drive reliability and uptime of SEM systems used for wafer inspection and review, targeting industry-leading system availability.
• Evaluate system designs, manufacturing processes, and acceptance testing to identify potential failure modes before they reach customers.
• Develop and implement Design of Experiments (DOE) to validate component and system performance, reliability, and durability.
• Define and assess accelerated life testing, environmental testing, and stress testing, including thermal, vibration, vacuum, contamination, and high-voltage conditions.
• Establish reliability requirements and qualification plans for critical components, subsystems, and complete systems.
• Review design, manufacturing, and test data to ensure products consistently meet reliability and performance targets.
• Partner with suppliers to qualify components, validate manufacturing processes, and ensure compliance with technical requirements.
• Lead factory acceptance and qualification activities to verify products meet specifications before release.
• Investigate field and factory failures using statistical analysis, data science techniques, and advanced modeling tools.
• Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts based on reliability data and root-cause findings.
• Influence engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to implement solutions that improve product robustness and long-term performance.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Reliability Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience developing, supporting, or improving semiconductor capital equipment.
• Deep understanding of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) or other precision systems (eg. optical microscopy, lithography systems, etc.)
• Familiar with some or all of the following:
  • Electron optics
  • Precision mechanical systems
  • High-vacuum systems
  • High-voltage systems
  • Cleanroom and contamination control environments
  • Wafer handling and positioning systems
  • Motion control and automation
• Experience developing qualification plans and executing reliability testing for complex electromechanical systems.
• Strong background in failure analysis, root cause investigation, and reliability engineering methodologies.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on component qualification and manufacturing readiness.
• Ability to influence technical decisions across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supplier organizations.
• Knowledge of semiconductor industry standards, including SEMI standards and ISO quality systems is a plus.
• Willing to travel 15% international.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 5 years
• Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years
• Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 12 years

Pay

Base Pay Range: $167,300.00 - $284,400.00 Annually

Benefits

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.