1

Tool Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool ...

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

... software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process ... Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool ...

... a Development Engineer I at First Solar. * Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or ... process tool electrical drawings, ensuring the tracking of equipment changes is documented and ...

... a Development Engineer I at First Solar. * Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or ... process tool electrical drawings, ensuring the tracking of equipment changes is documented and ...

The engineer will work directly on complex subsystems and full tool configurations, diagnosing ... development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness ...

Showing results 41-60

Tool Development Engineer information

What is a tool development engineer?

Tool Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain tools, software, or equipment used to optimize production processes or support engineering teams. Their responsibilities often include understanding user requirements, creating prototypes, testing tools, and improving existing solutions to enhance efficiency and quality. They work closely with manufacturing, software, or hardware teams, depending on the industry. Tool Development Engineers play a critical role in increasing productivity and ensuring the reliability of tools used in various technical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tool development engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Tool Development Engineers often work closely with software developers, QA testers, and product managers to create and refine tools. A common challenge is balancing differing priorities, such as development speed versus tool robustness or user-friendliness. Effective communication and flexibility are key to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each team. Regular feedback sessions and clear documentation help ensure that the tools developed meet the evolving requirements of all stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tool development engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tool Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), and a relevant degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, version control systems, and automation tools, as well as certifications in relevant frameworks, are typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration and innovative tool design. These competencies are crucial for developing efficient, reliable tools that optimize engineering workflows and support organizational productivity.

What is the difference between Tool Development Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectTool Development EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing tools and equipment used in manufacturing processesPlanning, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes and workflows
Skills & CertificationsMechanical design, CAD, problem-solving, certifications like Six Sigma or LeanProcess engineering, project management, certifications like Six Sigma or Lean
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesFactories, production lines, plant floor
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, aerospace, electronics manufacturingWidely used across various manufacturing sectors including consumer goods and industrial equipment

While both roles support manufacturing operations, the Tool Development Engineer primarily focuses on creating and improving tools and equipment, whereas the Manufacturing Engineer concentrates on optimizing entire production processes. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Tool Development Engineer jobs in California?

For Tool Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tool Development Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tool Development Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tool Development Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tool Development Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Tool Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

Orbotech
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$117K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

The qualified candidate will join a high-caliber team developing the next generation EUV mask inspection platform. The candidate is expected to coordinate across different functions: working with mechanical, optical, electrical, software, and other systems engineers in order to meet stringent technical, schedule, and budgetary requirements.

Candidates should have a strong and diverse technical background.

The role will involve requirements development, system design, and testing of complex inspection systems using expertise from multiple technical disciplines.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

The selected candidate will:

  • Help develop requirement specifications and test plans

  • Work with functional groups to define and review designs.

  • Participate in prototype integration and testing of assemblies, subsystems and systems.

  • Create and execute test plans and perform analysis to validate system performance.

  • Create and document calibration, manufacturing, and service procedures

  • Will trouble shoot system and subsystem issues and work with various subsystem teams to find and implement solutions

  • Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool effectively and optimize tool performance. Lead troubleshoot efforts in manufacturing and in the field

Preferred qualifications:

  • Strong background in engineering or the physical science and demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills

  • Strong diagnostic and trouble shooting skills in optics, opto-mechanics, and motion control systems

  • Experience with lasers and illumination systems, CCD/CMOS cameras is a plus

  • Experience with scripting languages, such as Python, would be a plus

  • Agility and ability to thrive on a fast paced program and respond quickly to field and internal escalations

  • Must be an effective communicator able to share technical information with functional groups and provide executive level reports to management and customers

  • Industrial experience in one or more of the following:

    • System engineering

    • Mechatronics

    • Optical systems

    • Imaging systems

    • Complex systems

    • Vacuum systems

Occasional travel will be required

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 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.