System Design 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 Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, KLA’s Global Products Group (GPG) creates metrology and inspection products. The Surfscan group focuses on technology enabling wafer, IC, and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify, and monitor their process tools. Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and defect inspection, used during wafer fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate concepts and designs for next-generation systems and CIP (Continuous Improvement Process) for existing systems.
• Lead design efforts, including building models, performing analysis to derive requirements, holding design reviews, and procuring parts for prototype tests.
• Conduct experiments to verify performance of critical components, subsystems, and modules; review test reports with cross-functional teams for approval.
• Perform research, evaluation, and proposals for new and existing product features in support of customer requirements.
• Setup and drive team efforts addressing product-level issues (design, supplier, manufacturing escalations, or improvement projects).
• Lead development of performance and troubleshooting diagnostics for existing and new products.
• Define system-level requirements and contribute to specifications and interface definitions.
• Develop and execute test plans for system characterization, software testing, and hardware validation.
• Troubleshoot complex system issues across software, electronics, mechanics, and optics; write scripts for data collection and analysis.
• Use structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, 7-Step) to resolve issues.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, applications, and service teams to implement solutions.
• Present technical findings to leadership and global stakeholders.
• Project management skills (scoping, budgeting, and scheduling) are a plus.
• Up to 25% travel required.

Requirements

• Doctorate Degree and 3+ years of related work experience; OR
• Master’s Degree and 4+ years of related work experience; OR
• Bachelor’s Degree and 6+ years of related work experience.

Pay

Base pay range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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.
• Development and career growth opportunities.
• Financial planning benefits.
• Wellness benefits, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off and paid company holidays.
• Family care and bonding leave.

Schedule

Primary location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA.