Product Development Engineer (vacuum system)

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 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

Position Overview

As a System Design Engineer you will focus on the practical implementation operation and optimization of semiconductor inspection systems. Your role centers on hands-on process tool work vacuum system maintenance and data-driven process improvement. You will support system integration troubleshooting and continuous improvement working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Process Tool Experience

• Support tool bring-up preventive maintenance and process optimization.
• Operate calibrate and maintain semiconductor process tools.
• Perform routine and advanced troubleshooting of tool-level issues.
• Collaborate with equipment and process engineers to resolve hardware/software integration challenges.

Vacuum Systems

• Maintain vacuum integrity for process modules; monitor and optimize vacuum system performance.
• Diagnose and resolve vacuum-related issues (leaks pump failures pressure anomalies).
• Document vacuum system metrics and contribute to process stability.

Data Analysis

• Collect analyze and interpret process and equipment data to identify trends and anomalies.
• Apply statistical methods (SPC DOE) to improve yield and tool performance.
• Use data analysis tools (Python MATLAB JMP or equivalent) to support process optimization and troubleshooting.

Process Engineering & Experimentation

• Support structured experimentation (DOE) to validate process changes and optimize system parameters.
• Assist in developing calibration procedures and service documentation.
• Contribute to manufacturing ramp and yield improvement through hands-on experimentation.

System Integration & Support

• Assist in integrating subsystems (optical mechanical electrical software) under guidance from senior engineers.
• Participate in design reviews and prototype testing.
• Maintain design documentation and support field teams with technical troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• PhD (Engineering or Physical Sciences); or Masters Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; or Bachelors Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years.
• Demonstrated experience with semiconductor process tools and vacuum systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods for process improvement.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills; creative and persistent approach to resolving technical issues.
• Effective communication skills; able to document findings and collaborate across teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree (Engineering or Physical Science) with 2 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with requirements management and model-based engineering tools is a plus.
• Experience supporting manufacturing ramp and yield improvement.
• Willingness to travel for customer support or engineering collaboration (up to 25%).

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Masters Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelors Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Base Pay Range: $114100.00 - $194000.00 Annually

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.

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