Product Development Engineer (vacuum system)

KLA • Milpitas, CA

11d

About The Position

As a System Design Engineer, you will focus on the practical implementation, operation, and optimization of semiconductor inspection systems. Your role centers on hands-on process tool work, vacuum system maintenance, and data-driven process improvement. You will support system integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• PhD (Engineering or Physical Sciences); or Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3+ years; or Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5+ years.
• Demonstrated experience with semiconductor process tools and vacuum systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods for process improvement.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills; creative and persistent approach to resolving technical issues.
• Effective communication skills; able to document findings and collaborate across teams.

Nice To Haves

• PhD degree (Engineering or Physical Science) with 2+ years of relevant experience; or Masters degree with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with requirements management and model-based engineering tools is a plus.
• Experience supporting manufacturing ramp and yield improvement.
• Willingness to travel for customer support or engineering collaboration (up to 25%).

Responsibilities

• Support tool bring-up, preventive maintenance, and process optimization.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain semiconductor process tools.
• Perform routine and advanced troubleshooting of tool-level issues.
• Collaborate with equipment and process engineers to resolve hardware/software integration challenges.
• Maintain vacuum integrity for process modules; monitor and optimize vacuum system performance.
• Diagnose and resolve vacuum-related issues (leaks, pump failures, pressure anomalies).
• Document vacuum system metrics and contribute to process stability.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret process and equipment data to identify trends and anomalies.
• Apply statistical methods (SPC, DOE) to improve yield and tool performance.
• Use data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, JMP, or equivalent) to support process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Support structured experimentation (DOE) to validate process changes and optimize system parameters.
• Assist in developing calibration procedures and service documentation.
• Contribute to manufacturing ramp and yield improvement through hands-on experimentation.
• Assist in integrating subsystems (optical, mechanical, electrical, software) under guidance from senior engineers.
• Participate in design reviews and prototype testing.
• Maintain design documentation and support field teams with technical troubleshooting.

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.
• Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees