Staff Optical Research Scientist

KLA • Milpitas, CA

122d • $154,900 - $263,300

About The Position

KLA’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is seeking a staff optical research scientist to drive CTO’s advanced optics R&D. The role involves driving the CTO group’s advanced optics R&D in various areas including high performance optics design, DUV optics design and know-how, high precision optical metrology, advanced opto-mechanical design, accurate optical system modeling, and high precision experiments. The position also includes proposing and designing optical architecture to meet the requirements of dedicated applications, translating top-level system requirements into subsystem specifications, performing critical optical design analysis, collaborating with vendors to resolve manufacturing issues, and designing experiments to validate system performance.

Requirements

• Solid background in physics, optics, and math.
• Expertise in optics design, modeling, and experiments.
• Proficiency in numerical simulations and at least one programming language (e.g., Matlab, Python, Julia).
• Familiarity with AI technologies and their applications in solving physical problems.
• Highly motivated and curiosity-driven.
• Skilled in effective communication and team collaboration.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of semiconductor metrology/inspection industry.

Responsibilities

• Driving CTO group’s advanced optics R&D in high performance optics design.
• Conducting DUV optics design and applying relevant know-how.
• Performing high precision optical metrology.
• Engaging in advanced opto-mechanical design.
• Executing accurate optical system modeling.
• Conducting high precision experiments.
• Applying AI technologies for optics.
• Proposing and designing optical architecture for specific applications.
• Translating top-level system requirements into subsystem specifications.
• Performing critical optical design analysis including tolerance analysis and misalignment compensation.
• Collaborating with vendors to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Designing and conducting experiments to validate system performance.
• Identifying key areas in optics design that can benefit from AI technologies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(K) with company matching.
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP).
• Student debt assistance.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Development and career growth opportunities.
• Financial planning benefits.
• Wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Paid time off and paid company holidays.
• Family care and bonding leave.

What This Job Offers

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