Manager, System Design Engineering

Base Pay Range: $157,900.00 - $268,400.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits identified below. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits identified below. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed above reflects the minimum and maximum pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The LS-SWIFT Division of KLA’s Global Products Group provides patterned wafer inspection systems for high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. Its mission is to deliver market-leading cost of ownership in defect detection for a broad range of applications in the production of semiconductors. Customers from the foundry, logic, memory, automotive, MEMS, advanced packaging and other markets rely upon high-sample wafer inspection information generated by LS-SWIFT products. LS (Laser Scanning) systems enable cost-effective patterned wafer defect detection for the industry’s most sophisticated process technologies deployed in leading-edge foundry, logic, DRAM, and NAND fabs. SWIFT (Simultaneous Wafer Inspection at Fast Throughput) systems deliver all-wafer-surface (frontside, backside, and edge) macro inspection that is critical for automotive IC, MEMS, and advanced packaging processes as well as foundry/logic and memory fabs. LS-SWIFT operates from a global footprint that includes the US, Singapore, India and Germany, and serves a worldwide customer base across Asia, Europe and North America.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

The LS-SWIFT division is searching for a dynamic, creative, and hardworking individual to lead development and launch of the laser source for our next generation wafer inspection technology. This involves crafting and synthesizing cutting edge technology that probes the limitations of what is technically achievable with DUV laser systems. The successful candidate will manage both the technical team and the project, as the Product Lifecycle (PLC) lead, to achieve program objectives.

We are looking for candidates who have intellectual curiosity, are natural problem solvers, work well with others, possess a desire to grow, and can demonstrate leadership skills. As the project head, you must possess a strong sense of purpose and be driven to continually improve self, others, and the way we do business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and actively manage the development schedule to optimize performance, feature content, reliability, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability. Strive to maintain continuity but also have the flexibility to adapt the schedule to unforeseen changes and gaps.
• Adept at risk-based program management. Define and pursue mitigation plans to manage and retire risks.
• Work with the service and manufacturing organizations to establish and meet requirements for production ramping and product maintenance.
• Collaborate with the Supply Chain Management team to initiate and maintain productive working relationships with critical suppliers.
• Orient the team by discussing schedule, establishing priorities, and presenting changes through regular meetings. Develop employees via thoughtful mentoring and playing to strengths.

Desired personal skills:

• Decisive leader who is comfortable making difficult decisions and priority calls that keep the project on schedule.
• Enthusiastic communicator who successfully advocates for action and positive change.
• Creative problem solver with a proven track record of solving complex technical issues.
• Show genuine curiosity about the career goals of employees and help to shape their future.

The semiconductor industry is fast-paced with constant change and ever growing speed of new product introductions. We need leaders who embrace and drive new ideas and new ways of doing things in a highly competitive industry.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) and at least 2 years of work experience , Master's Level Degree and at least 3 years of work experience , Bachelor's Level Degree and at least 4 years of work experience.

The company offers a total rewards package that is competitive and comprehensive including but not limited to the following:  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.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees.  KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings.  KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.  If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.