Software Intern (GPU Optimization)

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 worlds leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrows 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 KLAs Global Products Group (GPG) which is responsible for creating all of KLAs 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 Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic foundry and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking a summer intern to join our advanced wafer inspection algorithm team with a primary focus on GPU acceleration and CUDA code optimization. The intern will work on profiling tuning and redesigning CUDA kernels to maximize throughput and minimize latency in image processing and machine learning workflows used in semiconductor wafer inspection.

This role offers hands-on experience in high-performance computing. The intern will contribute to production-grade algorithm deployment collaborating closely with algorithm engineers to integrate optimized GPU modules into real-time inspection pipelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design implement and optimize CUDA kernels for high-throughput image analysis and defect detection.
• Profile and tune GPU workloads using NVIDIA Nsight Compute Nsight Systems and other performance tools.
• Collaborate with algorithm engineers to integrate GPU/CUA optimized modules into inspection pipelines.
• Explore advanced optimization techniques such as memory optimization thread and block configuration optimization instruction-level optimization kernel fusion and launch overhead reduction algorithmic optimization and hardware-specific tuning.
• Analyze performance bottlenecks and propose architectural improvements.
• Document technical findings and present results to cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a Master or PhD program in Computer Science Electrical Engineering Applied Physics or a related field.

Technical Skills:

• Strong proficiency in CUDA C/C and Python.
• Deep understanding of GPU architecture memory hierarchy and parallel computing principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in GPU performance analysis and optimization using advanced profiling tools such as NVIDIA Nsight Compute Nsight Systems and CUDA Visual Profiler with a proven ability to identify and resolve memory bottlenecks and kernel inefficiencies.

Domain Knowledge:

• Background in image processing computer vision or machine learning.

Other:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires less than 1 year of related experience

Base Pay Range: $47.00 - $57.00 per hour based on pursuit of a Masters and Ph.D.

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLAs 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 several factors including state minimum pay wage rates location job-related skills experience and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at or at 1- to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview to become an employee or for equipment. Further KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLAs Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication an interview an offer of employment or that an employee is not legitimate please send an email to to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.