KLA

Product Development Engineer

United States · Work style not stated · Full time

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About the role

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EmployerKLA
LocationUnited States
Work styleWork style not stated
Employment typeFull time
Employer posted4 Oct 2026

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll 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 KLA’s 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. The RAPID division leads the industry in reticle inspection solutions, helping ensure high lithography yields and cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems support both mask shops and fabs by detecting defects early in the process, enabling faster, more reliable production.

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What You'll Do

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

Position Overview

As a Product Development 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 Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3+ years; or Bachelor's 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; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's 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: $117,800.00 - $172,800.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

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. 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 interviews—whether virtual or in person—is 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

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

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