Research Scientist (Electron Optics Systems)

Company: KLA
Location: Milpitas
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Company OverviewKLA 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 world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.Group/DivisionWith 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, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's 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 QualificationsThis is an applied R&D position in the advanced technology group within the BBP division in Milpitas, CA. We are seeking a motivated research scientist to help develop next generation wafer inspection tools.Responsibilities:

• Research, develop and test methods for characterizing electron optics systems or related sub-systems.
• Collaborate with systems and design engineers to understand requirements, implement test plans, collect and analyze data and synthesize results to help make decisions for product designs and specifications.
• Provide analysis and clear communication of results.
• Stay up to date on related external research and developments.
• May collaborate with internal or external development partners to develop new technologies, processes, or to improve current approaches.
• May participate in design, simulation, error budget development and design review processes, validation processes including development risk identification, assessment and mitigation.
• May develop and/or provide guidance to top-level system specifications, sub-system error budgets, interfaces and working parameters for optimum solutions.Desired Qualifications:
  • BS MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical/Computer Engineering or related fields.
  • Innovative and technically broad with a solid grounding in fundamentals.
  • Hands on lab skills, design of experiments, data collection and analysis.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Self-motivated and eager to learn new technologies.
  • Familiar with at least one scripting language e.g. Matlab, Python.
  • Familiarity with scanning electron microscopes, image formation and analysis, electron-surface interaction and vacuum systems is a plus.Minimum Qualifications
    • Doctorate (Academic) Degree;
    • Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years;
    • Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 yearsBase Pay Range: $154,900.00 - $263,300.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA'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.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 +1-408-352-2808 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 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.

Keywords: KLA, Merced , Research Scientist (Electron Optics Systems), Other , Milpitas, California