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Research Scientist Flow-Thermal & Plasma modeling

KLA


Job Location:

Ann Arbor, MI - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 105900 - 155300
Posted: 15 October 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 12 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

To make electronics you need chips wafers transistors reticles and... To make these you must see test and manufacture them at scalefaster and better than ever before. Thats where KLA comes in. Whether youre early in your career or an experienced professional youll solve complex challenges work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.



Group/Division

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs builds and sells KLAs product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI data centers automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection metrology and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips specialty semiconductors wafers reticles advanced packaging process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes IC substrates and PCB manufacturing including etch and deposition component inspection and imaging and analytics. KLAs Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation motion control sensors platform design and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise best practices and advanced tools that elevate both what we buildand how we build it.

What Youll Do

In this role you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.


KLA physics modeling group at Ann-Arbor Michigan is looking for talented research scientists and engineers to join the plasma and gas-thermal modeling team. The ideal candidate has a strong computational physics background involving electromagnetics and/or plasma physics. Relevant experience should include experience in some of these areas and a good intuition about the physical processes being modeled. Especially important is the ability to work with the other R&D and engineering teams to define modeling plans that explore the potential design space for implementation in future.


Responsibilities in this role include:

  • Lead development validation and verification of new algorithms and modeling approaches for next-gen laser sustained plasma sources
  • Work in a group environment to define and own modeling strategies and lead development
  • Prepare detailed modeling plans schedules and summary reports and present findings to internal customers and key stakeholders

Qualifications:

  • Degree in applied physics/Engineering
  • Hands-on experience designing developing modifying and diagnosing complex algorithms for plasma physics applications
  • Responsible working attitude and should be a team player. Previous experience with instruments for semiconductor industry is desired. Ability to clearly connect with cross functional internal teams both oral and written division management as well as external customers.
  • Must be able to travel for training and to support development teams in different locations.

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

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools metrology systems process solutions and computational analytics that make electronics possible tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place join us.



Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $105900.00 - $155300.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-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.



Use of AI Statement

At KLA our interviews seek to understand your individual skills problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation the use of AI recording tools or other technologies to generate suggest or provide responses during interviewswhether virtual or in personis not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI and we value candidates who share this mindset.



Equal Opportunity Statement

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.


For additional information view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.


Required Experience:

IC


About Company

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Calling the adventurers ready to join a company that's pushing the limits of nanotechnology to keep the digital revolution rolling. At KLA, we're making technology advancements that are bigger—and tinier—than the world has ever seen. Who are we? We research, develop, and manufacture t ... View more

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