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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
KLA is seeking a motivated AI Engineer with a growth mindset to join a world-class algorithm group within the Reticle And Photomask Inspection Division (RAPID)! In this role, you will design and develop deep learning models blended with classical methods (e.g., physics-based modeling or signal processing) to advance KLA's innovative inspection platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Deep Learning & Computer Vision
- Design, train, and deploy deep learning models for image understanding tasks such as image translation, segmentation, anomaly detection, and defect analysis on inspection systems
- Abstract specific tasks into generalized mathematical problems and devise customized models and algorithmic solutions
- Curate and manage datasets; establish rigorous training, validation, and evaluation pipelines
Innovation and Execution
- Drive innovation by proposing novel approaches and delivering production-quality, maintainable code
- Identify technical bottlenecks and balance model sophistication against computational complexity through comprehensive data analysis
- Improve model accuracy; optimize models for inference throughput, including GPU-accelerated and high-performance computing
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Collaborate directly with other teams to co-optimize algorithms along with other sub-systems for best overall system design
- Work with field teams and customers to support model deployments and ensure seamless integration of AI solutions to inspection systems at customer sites, including occasional international travel
Qualifications & Attributes
- REQUIRED: relevant publications must be listed on resume
- PhD (New College Graduate OR preference of 1-2 yrs of experience) in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Significant experience in deep learning, for computer vision and image understanding
- Knowledge in physics-based modeling or signal processing
- Proficiency with modern deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow) and Python
- Experience in C++ production software development and object-oriented programming
Desired Expertise
- Scientific computing, numerical optimization, and computational geometry
- Modeling of imaging systems (electron-beam or optical)
- Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing and process control is a plus
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years
Base Pay Range: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 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 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. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.