Professional Development Instructor Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

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 KLA Services team headquartered in Milpitas, CA is our service organization that consists of Service Sales and Marketing, Spares Supply Chain management, Field Operations, Engineering, Product Training, and Technical Support. The KLA Services organization partners with our field teams and customers in all business sectors to maintain the high performance and productivity of our products through a flexible portfolio of services. Our comprehensive services include: proactive management of tools to identify and improve performance; expertise in optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 technical support teams and knowledge management systems; and an extensive parts network to ensure worldwide availability of parts.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
The Opportunity
Be among the first people in the world to master KLA's next-generation semiconductor technology. As a Technical Development Instructor, you will partner directly with engineering teams during product development and transform cutting-edge innovations into world-class training used by service engineers and customers around the globe. This role offers a unique opportunity for either experienced technical professionals looking to transition into training or technical learning professionals seeking deeper engagement with advanced engineering systems.
What You Will Do
• Become a technical subject matter expert on selected new semiconductor products or platforms during early development phases.
• Design and develop blended learning solutions including digital learning, instructor-led training, hands-on labs, performance support tools, certifications, simulations, and emerging learning technologies.
• Create instructor guides, learner materials, assessments, certification paths, and hands-on learning experiences.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Product Support, Manufacturing, and Field organizations to ensure technical accuracy as products evolve.
• Define multi-level competency and certification frameworks.
• Deliver specialized training for alpha/beta customers, early-adopter field engineers, and Train-the-Trainer programs.
• Explore innovative delivery methods, including AR/MR, AI-assisted content creation, hybrid learning, and scenario-based learning.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome candidates from either of the following backgrounds:
Product & Engineering Expertise
• Semiconductor equipment, field service, manufacturing, applications, product support, or related engineering experience.
• Individuals who enjoy mentoring, knowledge sharing, and helping others succeed.
OR
Technical Learning & Development Expertise
• Technical training, curriculum development, instructional design, technical communication, or learning engineering experience.
• Individuals who excel at translating complex technical content into engaging learning experiences.
Success in this role comes from either strong product expertise or strong learning-development expertise. KLA will provide opportunities to build the complementary skill set.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Technical Education, Instructional Design, or a related discipline, or equivalent technical experience.
• Ability to rapidly learn complex technical systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in environments where products and requirements continue to evolve.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
Preferred Qualifications :
• Semiconductor equipment experience.
• Experience with technical training, curriculum development, knowledge management, or instructional design.
• Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Systems Engineering experience.
• Experience with advanced capital equipment, automation systems, robotics, aerospace systems, industrial machinery, medical devices, or comparable technologies.
• Experience with KLA products or similar advanced semiconductor tools.
• Experience working in matrixed, multi-stakeholder environments.
You Will Thrive If You
• Love being the first expert on emerging technology.
• Enjoy translating technical complexity into practical understanding.
• Are energized by product launches and solving new challenges.
• Have a growth mindset and passion for continuous learning.
• Take pride in producing high-quality work that influences engineers around the world.
• Collaborate generously and contribute to building organizational knowledge.
Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 0 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years; or equivalent work experience

Base Pay Range: $44.19 - $75.10 Per Hour
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.