Semiconductor Applications Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

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. The Optical Metrology Division products are used for optical overlay metrology. The portfolio of products includes unique solution packages which are based on hardware and software systems to enhance yield and effectiveness. As a world leader in its field of expertise, the division's products are the most advanced in performance (measurement accuracy of nanometers and below), reliability, ease of use and compatibility with other KLA's products. KLA (Israel) controls over 80% of the world market sales in its field, and its products are used by every major semiconductor manufacturer around the world. KLA Israel is located in the Migdal Haemek Industrial Park.

We are looking for an Applications Engagement Engineer to join our global CAPRES team, supporting customers with primary focus on the United States. In this role, you will support application development and customer engagements for advanced electrical and magnetic metrology solutions. Working closely with regional engagement leads, customers, and internal teams, you will ensure that CAPRES solutions deliver measurable value in both R&D and high-volume manufacturing environments.

Develop and implement applications for CAPRES metrology systems, with focus on sheet resistance measurements, as well as CIPT, MOKE and FMR. Define and execute characterization plans and analyze electrical and magnetic measurement data to support customer evaluations and application deployment. Develop application methodologies, test strategies, and best known methods (BKMs), and document results in evaluation reports and application notes. Support customer engagements with key focus on the United States, including on-site tool evaluations, application ramp, and process integration. Provide hands‑on support at customer sites, including recipe setup, optimization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of application issues. Implement and qualify new use cases at customer sites, ensuring successful adoption in both R&D and high-volume manufacturing. Capture customer requirements, application challenges, and future technology needs, and translate them into actionable recommendations for CAPRES headquarter for tool and software improvements. Contribute to application and evaluation projects in collaboration with regional teams and CAPRES headquarter, and support knowledge transfer and technical guidance within the team.

• Proven semiconductor process engineering experience in Ion Implantation, Metallization, Diffusion/CVD, or Etch.
• Expertise in process characterization utilizing sheet resistance metrology and manufacturing data analytics.
• Demonstrated success in process optimization, yield enhancement, and cross-functional problem solving.
• Strong experience in customer-facing roles, including on-site engagement and technical discussions.
• Ability to independently solve complex technical problems and application solutions.
• Contribution to customer evaluations and product releases within project teams.
• Strong expertise across multiple application domains.
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, marketing, and field teams.

• Doctorate (PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field with 0+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor applications, device characterization, or process engineering.
• Solid knowledge of engineering principles related to electrical and magnetic measurements and data analysis.
• Ability to independently analyze complex problems and develop effective technical solutions.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, JMP, or similar).
• Strong communication and presentation skills in English.

Base Pay Range: $102,000.00 - $173,400.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-OR-Hillsboro-Beaverton-KLA

• 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
• paid company holidays
• family care and bonding leave

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.

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.

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.

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