System Design Engineer

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 entered 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 advance humanity begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and invests 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 hard problems with no dull moments. Group/Division The SensArray division is the world leading provider of in‑situ processing measurement and control solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides measurement and control solutions to both semiconductor fabs and mask shops to ensure yields remain consistently high, enabling cost‑effective manufacturing. The SensArray business unit supports customer R&D as well as HVM with in‑situ thermal process control and enables automated process control to improve process optimisation and yield improvement. Job Description / Preferred Qualifications Primary Responsibilities Define and own system architecture, requirements, and interface definitions across subsystems Lead product transition from development to manufacturing Drive DFM / DFA / DFx (Design for Manufacturability, Assembly, Test, Cost) Establish and maintain system‑level specifications, error budgets, and performance trade‑offs Lead cross‑functional design reviews and ensure alignment across electrical, mechanical, firmware, and software domains Drive Design for Excellence (DFx), including manufacturability, assembly, testability, cost, reliability, and serviceability Influence subsystem designs to optimise performance, yield, quality, and cost of ownership Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies throughout the product lifecycle Lead system‑level integration, validation, and verification planning and execution Resolve system‑level issues across engineering, manufacturing, and field environments Collaborate with product marketing and engineering leadership to align system requirements with customer and roadmap needs Provide technical leadership for next‑generation technologies (N+1, N+2 roadmap planning) Ensure documentation readiness: BOMs, routings, work instructions New Product Introduction (NPI) Ownership Own electrical and system‑level aspects of NPI from prototype through production release Lead product transition from development to manufacturing, ensuring build readiness (processes, tools, fixtures, test coverage) Coordinate prototype, pilot, qualification builds, and early production ramp Drive electrical bring‑up, debug, system integration, and issue resolution Define manufacturing test strategies, coverage, and validation approaches Identify and mitigate risks related to yield, reliability, and cycle time Partner with manufacturing engineering to drive yield improvement and ramp readiness Support supplier / contract manufacturer engagement and sourcing decisions Ensure full documentation readiness (BOMs, routings, work instructions, test procedures) Drive corrective actions and incorporate lessons learned into future programs Support customer demos, first‑article builds, and ramp plans Key Duties Develop and evaluate next‑generation system concepts and architectures Perform modelling and simulation (including physical and thermal principles where applicable) to derive system requirements Conduct trade‑off analysis to optimise system performance versus cost and schedule Lead subsystem partitioning aligned to business and technical objectives Ensure comprehensive test, validation, and verification plans are implemented Drive root cause analysis and resolution of complex system‑level issues Lead small cross‑functional teams on design issues, supplier escalations, and manufacturing challenges Support prototype testing, data analysis, and performance validation Develop diagnostic strategies for system troubleshooting and reliability improvement Mentor and develop junior system engineers and influence engineering best practices Preferred Qualifications Strong background in modelling and simulation of complex systems (electrical, optical, thermal, or multi‑physics) Experience developing computational models to analyse system performance under varying conditions Knowledge of optical, electromechanical, imaging, thermal, or motion control systems Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for modelling or data analysis Exposure to AI – skill‑based/agent‑based AI to drive faster workflows Demonstrated expertise in system‑level diagnostics and troubleshooting Strong analytical problem‑solving skills across complex, multi‑disciplinary systems Ability to communicate effectively across all organisational levels and global teams Minimum Qualifications Technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Engineering, Physics, Systems Engineering 5–10 years of experience in electrical hardware development and productisation Proven experience with NPI, pilot builds, and manufacturing ramp‑up Demonstrated success taking hardware designs from concept through manufacturing release Strong hands‑on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, analysers) Experience supporting manufacturing builds and resolving cross‑disciplinary issues Strong communication, documentation, and problem‑solving skills Experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers Familiarity with semiconductor equipment, industrial systems, or high‑reliability products Experience in mixed‑signal systems, power distribution, or system‑level electrical design Understanding of regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements Base Pay Range $136,300.00 – $231,700.00 annually. Primary Location USA – CA – Milpitas – KLA. Total Rewards Package Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(k) with company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement, career development opportunities, wellness benefits, paid time off, holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Equal Opportunity Employer 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr KLA