Internship Defect Analyst Jobs in California (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.
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. First to deliver the best imaging and classification data for every defect or point on any layer at any time. EBeam's mission encapsulates its role as the "eyes" of KLA's product line, providing timely information on defects and critical locations on the wafer at the highest spatial resolution possible. Customers use EBeam products alongside KLA patterned and bare wafer inspectors to quickly understand the nature of defects and other imperfections on product wafers and take action to correct the manufacturing process.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
We are looking for a Systems Engineer who is motivated to work at the intersection of experimental science, sophisticated systems, and real-world product development. This is a highly hands-on role! If you enjoy being in the lab, working directly on tools, and learning by building, testing, and troubleshooting, this is for you. You will partner with experienced engineers to help develop next-generation electron-beam imaging systems, contributing across the full product lifecycle, from early prototypes to first customer deployments. This role is designed for someone who is curious, proactive, and eager to learn how sophisticated systems come together across hardware, software, and applications.
What You'll Do

• Build & Test Systems: Support design, integration, and validation of subsystems and full systems
• Run Experiments: Set up experiments, collect data, and analyze results to understand system behavior
• Troubleshoot Issues: Diagnose problems, identify root causes, and help implement solutions
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work with mechanical, electrical, software, and algorithm engineers
• Support Prototypes & Field Systems: Assist with early builds, system readiness, and customer-facing tools
• Continuously Improve: Contribute ideas to enhance performance, reliability, and test methods

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, Engineering Design, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials or Metallurgical Engineering
• Proven track record to set up experiments, perform modeling and data analysis, and solve complex technical problems
• Hands-on experience in experimental or lab environments (research, internships, or industry)
• Experience with machine control and/or scientific data analysis
• Proficiency in scripting (MATLAB, Python, or similar) for data collection and analysis
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to create effective technical presentations

Preferred:

• Knowledge of instrumentation, signal processing, and optical/electro-optical systems (e.g., electron microscopes)
• Exposure to vacuum systems, electron optics, and high-voltage systems (SEM or similar)
• Experience supporting prototype systems or advanced lab equipment

Ideal Candidate:

• Curious, hands-on, and motivated to learn by doing
• Enjoys building, testing, and improving real systems
• Brings examples of solving technical challenges through experimentation
• Thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environments

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: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 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.