Job Posting Title Director - R&D, Advanced Technologies

KLA • Milpitas, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The SensArray division is the world leading provider of in situ processing measurement and control solutions for the semiconductor industry. This role will lead advanced research and development programs focused on next-generation semiconductor process characterization, including both temperature and wafer handling projects. The position involves driving N+1 and N+2 product planning and technology incubation efforts, identifying industry technology inflections, emerging market trends, and disruptive competitive developments to maintain technology leadership. The role also includes developing and managing a portfolio of innovation programs from concept through commercialization, collaborating with various internal teams and external stakeholders, and building/leading high-performing multidisciplinary engineering & R&D teams. Additionally, the role focuses on driving intellectual property development, defending KLA's IP, developing simulation models, supporting leadership with technology assessments, and ensuring effective transition of advanced technology programs into product development and manufacturing organizations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Semiconductor Engineering, or related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in semiconductor equipment, metrology, sensors, process control, or related technology industries.
• 8+ years of leadership experience managing engineering and technical development organizations.
• Demonstrated track record delivering innovative technology programs from concept through commercialization.
• Experience developing long-range technology roadmaps and R&D investment strategies.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes and technology trends.
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with sensors, advanced packaging technologies, process monitoring systems, thermal characterization, automation, AI-enabled analytics, or industrial sensing solutions.
• Experience with modeling and simulation related to thermal, plasma and mechanical properties inside the semiconductor process flow.
• History of successful patent generation and technology commercialization.
• Experience working directly with leading semiconductor manufacturers and research organizations.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technology strategy to revenue growth and market expansion.
• Experience leading globally distributed engineering organizations.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term SensArray technology, innovation strategy & Roadmap
• Lead advanced research and development programs focused on next-generation semiconductor process characterization including both temperature and wafer handling projects
• Drive N+1 and N+2 product planning and technology incubation efforts.
• Identify industry technology inflections, emerging market trends, and disruptive competitive developments to maintain technology leadership.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of innovation programs from concept through commercialization.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Applications Engineering, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, and key customer stakeholders to align technology investments with business objectives.
• Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary engineering & R&D teams to achieve strategic objectives
• Drive intellectual property development, including invention disclosure, patent strategy, and technology differentiation initiatives
• Defend and protect KLA Intellectual Property
• Develop models to simulate and mimic semiconductor process areas in the field of thermal, plasma, mechanical, etc.
• Support leadership with technology assessments, business cases, and investment recommendations.
• Ensure effective transition of advanced technology programs into product development and manufacturing organizations.
• Identify, characterize and manage program related risks
• Lead and develop managers, principal engineers, and technical experts.
• Establish organizational objectives, priorities, budgets, and resource plans.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, accountability, and customer focus.
• Communicate technology strategy to executive leadership, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Influence cross-functional decision-making and organizational priorities.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• 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
• paid company holidays
• family care and bonding leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director