System Engineer Phd Jobs (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. 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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Senior Systems Engineer

We are looking for an experienced Systems Engineer to join our team! Our Systems Engineers are the driving force behind the development process—combining deep technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and a clear understanding of customer needs to deliver complex, high-performance solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the technical development of a complex metrology system within a cross-disciplinary engineering team
• Own and manage system error budgets to meet required specifications; define technical roadmaps for future advancements
• Decompose large systems into well-defined subsystems, modules, and components for efficient implementation
• Perform detailed root cause analysis on development issues and field escalations
• Drive system-level validation and verification activities, including testing and performance qualification
• Partner with program managers to develop and maintain project schedules
• Collaborate closely with service, manufacturing, engineering, and marketing teams to optimize system performance and resolve issues

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure system designs meet all functional and performance requirements
• Develop deep technical expertise across hardware, software, and algorithms, aligned with customer use cases
• Troubleshoot and maintain engineering prototype systems at headquarters
• Review and approve system requirements and design documentation
• Contribute to product strategy by partnering with marketing to translate market needs into system requirements
• Collect and analyze large datasets (internal and customer-generated) to gain insights into system behavior
• Support field escalations by providing structured action plans and hands-on assistance, including on-site support when needed
• Design and execute multi-disciplinary experiments; author and review detailed test plans and reports

What’s in It for You

• Play a key role in designing highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art systems
• Work alongside experts across software, algorithms, physics, motion, mechanics, electronics, and optics
• Lead innovation in a truly multidisciplinary environment
• Access to continuous professional development opportunities
• Diverse and flexible career growth paths

What You Should Have

• Strong curiosity and a passion for continuous learning
• BSc or MSc in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of multidisciplinary R&D experience
• PhD in a relevant field is a strong advantage
• Solid experience in data analysis and signal/image processing (Python or MATLAB preferred)
• Strong system-level thinking and ability to understand complex architectures
• Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work across disciplines and independently
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including presentation skills
• Endless curiosity and a strong drive to continuously learn and explore new technologies
• Strong system-level thinking and ability to understand and analyze complex systems
• Solid experience in data analysis and signal/image processing using Python or MATLAB
• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and independently
• Proven leadership capabilities and ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including technical presentation

Additional Information

• Travel: Up to 20%

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of multidisciplinary systems R&D experience, PhD in a relevant field is a strong advantage.

Base Pay Range: $115,900.00 - $197,000.00 Annually

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