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.

Role Overview

System Design Engineers are core to KLA's technology. While we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our System Design Engineering talent community and are interested in learning about your background. Apply to this posting for Future Opportunities with KLA.

Are you ready to lead the future of hardware innovation? This is a hands-on systems engineering role where you'll drive the development and testing of next-generation hardware features. As both the technical owner and systems lead, you'll collaborate across teams to bring complex systems to life—from concept to execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of new hardware features and subsystems
• Define system-level requirements and contribute to specifications and interface definitions
• Apply electron optics expertise to optimize system performance
• Develop and execute test plans for system characterization
• Design and run experiments; write scripts for data collection and analysis
• Troubleshoot complex system issues across software, electronics, mechanics, and optics
• Use structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, 7-Step) to resolve issues
• Collaborate with manufacturing and service teams to implement solutions
• Mentor junior engineers and align teams toward program goals
• Present technical findings to leadership and global stakeholders

Qualifications

• Strong background in Systems Engineering
• Expertise in Electron Optics
• Experience with Ultra-High Vacuum systems (preferred)
• Hands-on experience developing and testing hardware systems
• Strong analytical and scripting skills for data analysis
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Self-driven with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement

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

Compensation and Location

Base Pay Range: $130,400.00 - $221,700.00

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

Benefits

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
• 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.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

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.

Important Notice

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 KLA's Careers website 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee.

We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.