Staff Optical Engineer

KLA•Milpitas, CA

53d•$141,300 - $207,233•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. The Broadband Plasma (BBP) division is the market-leading optical inspection system used by logic, foundry, and memory customers to detect critical defects at advanced nodes. These tools combine broadband plasma technology with unmatched sensitivity and speed to support high-volume manufacturing. In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

Requirements

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
Solid background in optics such as imaging system aberrations, Fourier optics, polarization, Radiometry etc.
Experiences in developing architecture and/or new concepts for optical imaging or measurement systems with high complexity and high precision requirements.
Experienced in modeling optical performance of as built system through developing error budgets, alignment and metrology process for high precision opto-mechanical assembly and optical system using CodeV or LightTools.
Proficient in MATLAB or Python, for image processing and data analysis.
A self-starter with intellectual curiosity, a quick learner who desires to grow by acquiring new knowledge and skills in multi-disciplinary hardware technologies.
Detail oriented, methodical problem-solving and critical thinking skills;
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Work well with others in either a leading or supporting role.

Nice To Haves

International travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

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.
Identify, develop and document the optical system requirements through communicating with key suppliers as well as internal teams such as marketing, technology, system engineering etc.
Lead or support to propose subsystem architecture
Translate requirements into optical architecture features, error budgets and required metrology
Conduct feasibility studies through various optical analysis
Design new parts, modules and system integration process, toolings.
Test, qualify and release optics/Opto-mechanical modules and entire subsystem.
Work with suppliers to specify acceptance and improve incoming material quality.
Lead to resolve complex problems for both prototype and released systems.