Product Applications Development Engineer

KLA•Milpitas, CA

1d•$120,000 - $204,000•Onsite

About The Position

As an Applications Development Engineer in the KLA Instruments organization, you will develop, validate, and demonstrate advanced applications for existing and next‑generation metrology systems. You will play a critical role in new product introduction (NPI), working closely with engineering, product management, marketing, and global applications teams to ensure our tools deliver maximum value to customers. This role is based in Milpitas, with hands‑on access to development tools and close collaboration with R&D. Occasional customer and regional support travel is expected.

Requirements

BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field
Strong hands‑on experimental skills and data analysis experience
Ability to independently design experiments, analyze results, and communicate conclusions clearly
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to travel internationally and domestically (typically 10–40%, depending on project phase)

Nice To Haves

Experience with semiconductor or advanced materials metrology (stylus profiling, optical profiling, film thickness, resistivity, surface analysis, etc.)
Familiarity with NPI / PLC processes and structured product development environments
Experience supporting customer demos, evaluations, or beta tools
Programming or scripting experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis is a plus

Responsibilities

Develop and implement new applications for pre‑release and released Instruments products, including stylus profilers, optical profilers, thin‑film reflectometers, sheet-resistance tools, and related platforms
Design and execute characterization, feature, and verification test plans for NPI programs (alpha, beta, and ramp phases)
Analyze measurement data, identify performance gaps, and provide clear, actionable feedback to hardware, software, and systems engineering teams
Generate application notes, Best Known Methods (BKMs), characterization reports, and internal technical documentation
Lead or support alpha and beta testing for new products and features, including test definition, sample selection, execution, and reporting
Support demo and pilot tools during ramp, ensuring readiness for customer evaluations and early adopters
Participate in cross‑functional design reviews, trade‑off discussions, and roadmap alignment with Product Management and Marketing
Support customer demos, head‑to‑head comparisons, and value demonstrations to drive product adoption
Investigate customer process and application challenges and translate them into effective metrology solutions
Develop and deliver technical training for field applications engineers, channel partners, service teams, and customers
Provide on‑site or remote customer support as needed
Act as a technical bridge between Engineering, Marketing, Sales, Field Applications or Channel Partners, and Customers
Transfer application knowledge globally to regional applications teams, channel partners through documentation, training, and technical reviews
Contribute to use‑case development, marketing collateral, and value messaging for Instruments products

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, and family care and bonding leave.

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