Sr. Staff Systems Engineer (Tech Lead/Customer Facing)

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 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/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, 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.

Responsible for developing, implementing and testing, advanced optical, electronic, and electro-mechanical subsystems used in wafer inspection tools. This is a cross-disciplinary position; it requires working closely with multiple functional groups, hands-on work on engineering tools, and interface with marketing, customer support, and manufacturing teams to successfully develop and roll out new products and support existing product lines.

The selected candidate will:

• Lead a team, and work with team members, and various engineering groups to define requirements at the subsystem and system level, and to develop specifications and test plans - 25%.
• Work with functional groups to develop and review designs. Create and execute test plans and perform analysis to validate system performance - 25%.
• Troubleshoot system and subsystem issues. Work with various subsystem teams to find and implement solutions - 25%.
• Support internal and external customers to optimize tool performance and lead troubleshooting efforts in manufacturing and in the field - 25%.
• Occasional travel to customer sites will be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills in engineering or the physical sciences. Able to define objectives clearly, create and track plans, and drive a small team to a solution.
• Must be an effective communicator; able to share technical information with subject matter experts and provide executive level reports to management and customers.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in optics, opto-mechanics, and motion control systems.
• Hands-on lab experience on capital equipment, preferably semiconductor manufacturing or metrology equipment.
• Have agility and the ability to thrive on a fast paced program and respond quickly to field and internal escalations.
• Familiar with scientific and statistical analysis software tools such as Matlab, JMP, etc.
• May be required to lead small cross functional teams.
• Degree in mechanical/aerospace/electrical engineering, physics, applied optics or similar disciplines desired.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and image analysis is desirable.
• Familiarity with Python programming is desirable.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 5 years , Master's Level Degree or work experience of 8 years , Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 12 years

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required where permitted by law. KLA will consider reasonable accommodation as provided by applicable law. Please note that accommodation may not be possible where vaccination is required for an essential function of the position, including for international travel or customer site access.

The company offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to the following: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, financial planning benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, family care and bonding leave.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. 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 [email protected] to request accommodation.