Systems Design Engineer 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

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 Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) Division provides industry leading metrology solutions for worldwide semiconductor IC manufacturers. The FaST Division portfolio of metrology products includes hardware and software solutions for optical film thickness, optical critical dimension (CD), composition, and resistivity measurement systems. These products are essential for the IC manufacturers as they provide critical metrology capabilities for the development and implementation of their advanced IC processes. The FaST division is committed to support our customers to achieve performance entitlement of our solution and we effectively partner with our customers from their early research and development phase to the high volume in-line manufacturing implementation specific for their process needs. The division consists of a global team located in US, Israel, China, and India.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on System Design Engineer to join our team, focusing on the development and enhancement of advanced metrology systems, including X-ray-based solutions.

The ideal candidate combines strong system-level thinking with practical experience in product development, system integration, and advanced troubleshooting. This role requires the ability to rapidly prototype and independently design innovative solutions, while working closely with cross-functional teams to drive products from concept through high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and prototype metrology systems and subsystems, ensuring performance, serviceability, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Lead system-level integration across hardware and data flows, bridging R&D and high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Participate in full product life cycle (PLC) development for current and next-generation products.
• Perform system modeling, error budgeting, and data-driven performance optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, manufacturing, and service) to define requirements and system architecture.
• Drive performance improvement, cost reduction, and reliability enhancement.
• Develop and deploy data analysis and automation solutions (e.g., Python-based tools) to improve engineering productivity and system insight.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation, including design reviews, specifications, and test plans.
• Provide technical support and root cause analysis for manufacturing ramps, field issues, and customer escalations.
• Partner with external vendors and suppliers to develop and qualify subsystems and components.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. with 3+ years, Master's with 5+ years, or Bachelor's with 7+ years of relevant experience
• Strong foundation in physics, engineering, or related field, with system-level problem-solving capability
• Hands-on experience with hardware systems (e.g., vacuum systems, optics, or advanced instrumentation)
• Proficiency in data analysis and programming (Python or equivalent)
• Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Up to 20% global travel required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with X-ray metrology, scattering techniques, or electron/ion-based systems
• Experience developing hardware for the semiconductor capital equipment industry is preferred.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-based or data-driven metrology approaches

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA'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 attalent.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.