Optics Research Scientist / Technologist

About KLA and the Role

KLA is a global leader in electronics manufacturing technologies pivotal to semiconductor production. Our innovations are integral to devices such as laptops, smartphones, VR gadgets, and smart cars worldwide. We invest heavily in R&D to foster pioneering technologies, focusing on wafer and circuit manufacturing through expert physicists, engineers, and data scientists collaborating with top technology providers.

The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) spearheads advanced technology development, including light sources, lasers, and sensors. This group bridges innovation to product engineering and guides strategic planning and product lifecycle phases with cross-division technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain supplier technology roadmaps aligned with KLA’s product plans.
• Lead and sustain strong relationships with technology suppliers.
• Ensure successful technology transfer from R&D to production stages.
• Coordinate efforts among CTO, various divisions, and internal teams.
• Support prototyping, troubleshooting, risk management, and problem resolution initiatives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Recognition as a subject matter expert in optics.
• Strong communication skills with experience in customer presentations and conflict resolution.
• Technical knowledge in optical coatings including design, processes, and materials.
• Practical experience with optical material characterization and thin film coating technologies, including problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 10% of the time.

Preferred:

• Experience in optical inspection and metrology systems.
• Familiarity with DUV/UV optics suppliers and coating equipment manufacturers.
• Understanding of thin film metrology techniques such as spectroscopy, ellipsometry, SEM/TEM, AFM, EDS, and XRD.
• Knowledge of contamination control, cleanroom standards, and optics cleaning/preparation methods.
• Insight into lasers including damage thresholds and degradation mechanisms at DUV wavelengths.

Education and Experience

MS or PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines, accompanied by at least five years of pertinent industry experience.

Additional Information

KLA offers a competitive, family-focused benefits package designed to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace. We emphasize securing legitimate recruitment processes and warn against fraudulent job postings or recruiters demanding fees.