Systems Design Engineer - Optical Imaging Systems R&D

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 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 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 brightest research scientists, 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 lithography yields are consistently high, thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing. Position Summary We are seeking a self-motivated Systems Engineer to join the RAPID Advanced Technology team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and validating system-level performance for next-generation advanced optical inspection platforms. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in optical physics or optical engineering and combines strong analytical skills with hands-on modeling, simulation, and data-analysis experience. You will work closely with optical, mechanical, electrical, algorithm, and manufacturing teams to ensure system requirements are translated into robust, high-performance designs that meet customer and product roadmap needs. Key Responsibilities Conduct feasibility investigation of novel system/subsystem concepts. Define system requirements, specifications, and verification plans across optical, mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems. Develop and maintain detailed error budgets, linking subsystem performance to overall system requirements. Perform simulation and data analysis to model and validate system performance. Work closely with engineering teams on prototype design, implementation, and performance validation on tool or experimental bench. Perform data collection on the tool/bench and data analysis to demonstrate the value of the concept. Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for system/subsystem performance issues. Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, applications, manufacturing, and service organizations throughout the product lifecycle. Present the results and findings to the team and management. Qualifications Strong background in engineering or the physical sciences and demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills. Solid foundation in optical physics, including imaging systems, diffraction, illumination, and wave optics. Demonstrated experience in system performance analysis and error budgeting for complex engineering systems. Hands-on experience with optical system modeling and simulation tools. Experimental experience with optical bench design, building, alignment, and measurement is preferred. Proficiency in data acquisition, numerical analysis, and visualization, using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or equivalent. Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts and trade-offs to cross-functional teams. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-functional team environment. Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Ph.D.) and related work experience of 3 years; or Master’s Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; or Bachelor’s Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years. Compensation Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 Annually. Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas, KLA. Benefits and Total Rewards 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) with company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities, 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. 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. Please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io or at View phone number on click.appcast.io to request accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr KLA