Optics Research 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
The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) plays a critical role in developing advanced long-range technology in collaboration with product divisions and strategic marketing, working on future technology like light sources, lasers, and sensors. We are engaged in the research and development process, and once the technology is mature, we partner with product engineering groups who then build products based on the technology we've developed. The Office of the CTO also provides technical input into KLA's strategic planning process, program reviews and Product Life Cycle (PLC) phases. We provide our broad technology expertise and cross-division experience to ensure we leverage the collective knowledge within our company.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is seeking an optical engineer/research scientist to support next-generation optical system research and development! This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about optics/physics/math, eager to learn, and interested in developing expertise in advanced optical system R&D for semiconductor inspection and manufacturing applications!
The successful candidate will work closely with experienced optical engineers and multi-functional teams to develop modeling, analysis, and design capabilities for high-performance optical systems. This position offers significant opportunities for mentorship, technical growth, and hands-on experience with real-world engineering challenges in optics manufacturing and system design and integration.
The role will be a development opportunity, where the candidate can steadily build expertise in optical design, system tradeoffs, manufacturing considerations, and collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Responsibilities

• Support modeling and analysis of advanced wafer-inspection optical systems
• Assist in the design and evaluation of objective lenses and related optical subsystems
• Learn and apply optical system design principles, including performance, manufacturability, and cost tradeoffs
• Perform optical simulations, tolerance analysis, and data analysis using industry-standard software tools as well as proprietary algorithms
• Collaborate with senior engineers and multi-functional teams on system architecture and design challenges
• Work with internal teams and external suppliers to understand practical considerations in optics fabrication and manufacturing
• Participate in experiments, testing, and validation activities for optical system performance
• Contribute to documentation, technical reviews, and design discussions
• Develop familiarity with semiconductor inspection technologies and high-precision optical engineering practices

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields with knowledge of, or experience in, optics, optical system design, optical metrology, or photonics
• Familiarity with optical design and simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, OSLO, or similar software
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar programming environments for modeling and data analysis
• Solid understanding of geometrical optics, physical optics, imaging systems, and optical tolerancing
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills

Desired

• Experience with UV or deep-UV optical systems
• Experience with optical metrology and fabrication
• Familiarity with optomechanical systems or semiconductor equipment
• Experience with physics simulation tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or similar platforms
• Internship or research experience related to optics or imaging systems

Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) in in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
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.