Manufacturing Design Engineer (Failure Analysis)

Job Description In this role, you'll take the lead on sophisticated failure analysis, diving into contamination and challenges across a diverse set of products and manufacturing environments. Using sophisticated analytical and characterization techniques, you'll uncover root causes, influence corrective actions, and help shape durable, long‑term solutions. You'll be in a true hands‑on role, connecting lab insights to real engineering impact and seeing your work directly improve product performance. If you're energized by solving tough, real‑world problems and uncovering what others can't, this is the type of work where you'll thrive. With a solid foundation in materials science or chemistry, you'll work across teams in a fast‑paced environment where your expertise is both valued and transparent. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact while continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Key Responsibilities Lead and complete sophisticated failure analysis investigations for manufacturing and field critical issues, including contamination, coating or substrate damage, materials degradation, and supply‑related materials issues. Apply sophisticated materials characterization and analytical techniques, including SEM/FIB, TEM, EDS, SIMS, XPS, Auger, FTIR, Raman, UVVis spectroscopy, optical microscopy, white‑light interferometry, and chromatography (GC/LC), to resolve failure mechanisms and root causes. Correlate analytical data with process history, manufacturing conditions, and field usage to develop comprehensive root‑cause models and actionable conclusions. Collaborate with internal customers from various divisions on material selection, feasibility review, supplier qualification, and production ramp. Build, develop, and validate new test methods, analytical workflows, and materials characterization capabilities to improve diagnostic efficiency and expand CMAG's technical reach. Clearly document and communicate findings through technical reports, presentations, and multi‑functional reviews, influencing engineering and business decisions. Preferred Qualifications Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering. Demonstrated hands‑on expertise in failure analysis and materials characterization, including SEM/FIB, TEM, SIMS, XPS, FTIR, Raman, UVVis, and optical microscopy. Strong understanding of instrument fundamentals and data interpretation. Experience in chemistry, materials science, and surface science, including solid‑state chemistry, thin films, coatings, optical materials, and photon‑matter interactions. Exposure to contamination control, coating damage, metallurgy, optical and mechanical systems, semiconductor manufacturing processes, and industry quality standards is helpful. Experience applying root‑cause methodologies (e.g., 8D, structured problem solving) in manufacturing or high‑reliability environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, multicultural, global organization. 10% domestic and international travel for training, supplier engagement, project execution, and global support. 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. Compensation Base Pay Range: $106,700.00 – $181,400.00 annually. Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas. Benefits 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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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 View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io to request accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr KLA