Full Time R&D Scientist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Join KLA's Surfscan Division, the leader in unpatterned wafer inspection for semiconductor manufacturing. Our team of apps engineers, technologists, and product specialists develop solutions that help advanced semiconductor fabs and equipment manufacturers qualify and monitor process tools. Surfscan equipment detects defects and process non-uniformities early, enabling proactive yield management. As an Applications Engineer, you'll partner with customers and cross-functional teams to optimize SFS tools, create innovative applications, and drive enhancements for next-generation products. This role blends deep technical expertise with customer engagement to ensure our solutions always deliver maximum value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support, maintain, and troubleshoot SFS tools in customer environments

• Diagnose tool issues, identify corrective actions, and ensure optimal tool performance

• Work closely with service and engineering teams to resolve hardware/software issues

• Develop applications and Best Known Methods (BKMs) to solve complex customer challenges and improve tool capability

• Create use cases, scope new features, identify issues, and drive bug fixes

• Maintain strategic customer relationships and assist sales teams with technical assessments

• Develop and document training materials, and provide technical training

• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to define requirements for future products

Qualifications

• MS or Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Optics, Material Science, or related field

• Experience in semiconductor fabrication or equivalent educational experience

• Strong knowledge of semiconductor process flows and defect types

• Experience in system-level troubleshooting, diagnostics, and reporting

• Cleanroom experience and semiconductor device characterization

• Familiarity with computer operating systems, networking, and analysis tools

Preferred Skills:

• Strong customer focus and ability to build collaborative relationships

• Experience with lasers and optics

• Motivation to innovate and proactively deliver exceptional customer outcomes

• Proven technical leadership and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills

• Ability to present technical content to diverse audiences

• Data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Minitab, Igor, Origin, ImageJ, etc.)

• Programming (Matlab, LabVIEW, Python, etc.)

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 2 years

Base Pay Range: $83,100.00 - $141,300.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-OR-Hillsboro-Beaverton-KLAKLA'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.