Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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.

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. Central Engineering is KLA's largest engineering organization comprised of 9 Centers‑of‑Excellence (CoE) in various disciplines applied across all product groups in the company. These CoE include Handling & Automation, Precision Motion Control, Sensors & Image Acquisition, Platform Design, and Packaging Engineering, among others. Talent includes over 500 engineers across global centers in Israel, China, India, and the US. Each CoE contributes not just talent and deliverables per discipline toward product programs, but also subject matter expertise, best practices, roadmaps, specialized facilities, apparatus, models, and analytics. These differentiate KLA not only in WHAT we do, but also in HOW we do it.

KLA is seeking a Product Engineer to support wafer inspection tools in the Central Engineering Group in Ann Arbor. This role is responsible for day-to-day tool availability, performance, and operational readiness within established processes and guidance. The position focuses on operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuously improving tool performance through close collaboration with systems, software, hardware, applications, service, and manufacturing teams. Success in this role requires focused problem solving, clear documentation, and effective coordination across the global engineering user community to keep development moving forward!

Successful candidates will be responsible for:

• Serve as the engineering tool owner for assigned wafer inspection tools, ensuring availability, readiness, and stable performance for engineering and demo activities.
• Monitor tool health, uptime, and performance; identify issues and drive timely resolution with multi-functional teams to enhance reliability and usability.
• Implement and support calibration, specification validation, and preventive maintenance activities, verifying tool capability after configuration or maintenance changes.
• Resolve tool issues using structured root‑cause analysis across software, hardware, optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed.
• Support customer demos in partnership with Applications Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met.
• Ensure proper care, custody, and traceability of customer wafers by following established handling and special‑consideration procedures to protect wafer integrity.
• Document investigations, test results, and lessons learned to enable knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Provide on‑call or off‑hours support during critical activities; work in an ISO Class 5 cleanroom and collaborate with team members to maintain 5S standards.

Desired demonstrated understanding of precision instruments and control systems; experience with semiconductor inspection or metrology tools is a plus. Hands‑on experience troubleshooting complex electromechanical or optical systems; exposure to DOE or data‑driven troubleshooting preferred. Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and analytical skills to support technical documentation and cross‑team collaboration. Familiarity with cleanroom operations, wafer handling concepts, and equipment safety practices. Ability to work on problems of moderate scope using established processes while building capability to address more complex issues. Up to 15% travel for training and global customer support.

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

Base Pay Range: $76,300.00 - $129,700.00

Annually

Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-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.

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.

Now hiring curious minds who want to learn even more. Explore KLA at www.kla.com/careers

For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.

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