Job details

Research Scientist – Optical Imaging Systems

Get a free resume review

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Responsibilities

The BBP Technology team is looking for a self-motivated, creative, and results-oriented Research Scientist. The successful candidate will support the development of next-generation BBP system and subsystem architecture and performance improvement roadmap. Specifically, the Research Scientist will work with the team in the following areas:

Evaluate the performance of current BBP systems and understand the performance limiting factors
Perform simulation and data analysis to model and validate system performance
Conduct feasibility investigation of novel system/subsystem concepts and build detailed system/subsystem level error budget
Work closely with engineering functional teams on concept implementation and performance validation
Perform data collection on the tool/test bench and data analysis to demonstrate the value of the concept
Collaborate with other team members and functional groups to solve technical problems
Present the results and findings to the team and management

Qualifications

PhD or Masters, in applied optics, optical engineering, physics or closely related fields
Good understanding of the principle and design of optical imaging systems
Experience in optical system modeling and performance analysis
Ability to collect data independently by using tool standard software as well as running diagnostic data collection script
Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Matlab or Python
Diagnostic and trouble shooting skills in optics, opto-mechanics, and motion control systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-functional team environment

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range: $154,900.00 - $263,300.00 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.

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.

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 take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.

Average salary estimate

$209100 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$154900K

$263300K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Research Scientist – Optical Imaging Systems, KLA

Join KLA as a Research Scientist in Optical Imaging Systems in beautiful Milpitas, CA! At KLA, we are at the forefront of technology, playing a key role in the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. As a member of our Broadband Plasma Division, you'll be part of a pioneering team dedicated to developing next-generation wafer inspection systems. In this role, you will evaluate existing systems, conduct feasibility investigations of novel concepts, and collaborate with talented engineers to enhance system performance. Your expertise will contribute to critical projects aimed at improving our advanced optical systems. You'll leverage your understanding of optical engineering to model and validate system performance, making a real impact on the future of electronics. Whether you're conducting simulations or presenting your findings to our vibrant team, you'll find an exciting, fast-paced environment here at KLA. We place a strong emphasis on innovation and invest heavily in research and development, making this an ideal place for someone passionate about advancing technology. If you hold a PhD or Master's in applied optics or a related field, have demonstrated experience with optical systems, and possess the enthusiasm and creativity to tackle technical challenges, we’d love to see you apply. Join us for an incredible opportunity to be part of a company that nurtures ideas, values diversity, and drives growth in technology. KLA is where the future of electronics begins!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Research Scientist – Optical Imaging Systems Role at KLA

What are the responsibilities of a Research Scientist at KLA?

As a Research Scientist in Optical Imaging Systems at KLA, you will engage in a variety of important tasks. Your primary duties will include evaluating the performance of current BBP systems, performing simulation and data analysis to model system performance, and conducting feasibility investigations of new concepts. You'll collaborate with engineering teams to implement these concepts and validate their performance, making your role critical to the advancement of cutting-edge optical systems in semiconductor manufacturing.