Control Systems Engineer (PLC Specialist)

KLA•Milpitas, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

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. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise. Lead and evolve global electrical engineering standards, specifications, and design guidelines across a diverse facilities portfolio. Review electrical designs for capital projects, infrastructure upgrades, and critical facility improvements to support consistency, quality, and compliance. Guide technical strategy for power distribution, UPS, generators, transfer systems, and other critical power infrastructure. Partner with cross-functional teams to improve resiliency, operational readiness, and long-term facility performance. Support renewable energy and electrification initiatives, including solar, battery storage, EV charging, and utility coordination where relevant. Translate technical requirements into clear standards, design guidance, and executive-ready summaries.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering background
Basic electrical circuit design with design tools such as OrCAD, AutoCAD, PSpice, Xilinx/Altera FPGA /EPLD or development system
PLC programming design (Siemens, Allen Bradley, OMRON, etc.)
Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; OR Master's Level Degree and 3 years related work experience; OR Bachelor's Level Degree and 5 years related work experience.

Nice To Haves

In-depth expertise in PLC programming, particularly across platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
Familiarity with FPGA technology, microcontrollers (such as ARM or AVR), or DSPs.
Project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Design complex PLC logic to automate and control systems.
Design schematics for control system (i.e. PLC I/O wiring, etc.).
Develop intuitive HMI (Human-Machine Interface) solutions to enhance operator usability.
Responsible for PID control loops circuit design whether for precise temperature control, motion systems, or other process feedback, ensuring stable closed or cascade loops including PID tunning and configurations.
Work across the full project lifecycle: from gathering requirements, initial concept and detail design, integration, and implementation to commissioning and ongoing optimization.
Ensure our control systems are robust, efficient, and seamlessly integrated into the overall solution.
Conceptual and detailed design using design tools (i.e. OrCAD, AutoCAD, PSpice, Xilinx/Altera FPGA / EPLD development system, etc.).
Firmware development using Siemens, Allen Bradley PLCS, etc.
Testing and data analysis using tools (i.e. MATLAB, Python, etc.).
Create detailed drawings.
Conduct design review presentations.
Procurement of prototype parts.
System integration.
Prototype testing.
Handoff to manufacturing.
Collaborates with mechanical, software, systems and manufacturing engineers to ensure seamless integration and test at the subsystem and system level.
Develops the required supporting documentation, such as assembly and test procedures, and service manuals.
Partners with suppliers to ensure all design requirements are specified and achieved.
Addresses and resolves product issues thru the product phases.
Leads and oversees projects from initiation to completion.