Optics Research Scientist / Technologist

Company Overview

KLA stands as a global frontrunner in electronics technology that supports semiconductor manufacturing. Their innovations are integral to producing contemporary electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, VR equipment, flexible screens, and smart cars. With a heavy emphasis on research and innovation, KLA dedicates 15% of its revenue to R&D, collaborating across disciplines including physics and engineering to develop the future of technology.

Group and Division

The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) focuses on pioneering advanced long-term technologies such as lasers, sensors, and light sources. This group collaborates with other divisions on research projects and transitions matured technologies to product engineering teams for product creation. The CTO office also provides input for strategic planning and management of the product life cycle.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the supplier technology roadmap aligned with KLA’s product development plans.
• Lead and sustain strategic partnerships with technology suppliers to ensure continuous innovation.
• Take ownership of technology outcomes from initial R&D phases through to full-scale production.
• Coordinate efforts between the CTO office, product divisions, and cross-functional teams.
• Support technology prototyping, troubleshoot challenges, and mitigate risks effectively.

Essential Qualifications

• Recognized expert in optics or closely related technical fields.
• Strong communication abilities and collaborative skills with experience in delivering customer presentations and handling conflict resolution.
• Technical proficiency in optical coatings encompassing design, processes, and materials.
• Practical experience with optical characterization techniques, thin film coating systems, and troubleshooting methods.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• Background in optical inspection and metrology systems.
• Familiarity with suppliers of DUV/UV optics and coating equipment manufacturers.
• Expertise in thin film metrology techniques such as spectroscopy, ellipsometry, SEM/TEM, AFM, EDS, and XRD alongside defect analysis.
• Awareness of photo-contamination controls, cleanroom standards, and optics cleaning or surface preparation methods.
• Understanding of lasers, including laser damage thresholds and DUV light degradation mechanisms.

Minimum Education and Experience

A PhD or Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline with at least five years of applicable industry experience.

Equal Opportunity and Cautionary Note

KLA promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and provides competitive benefits tailored to support its employees and their families. Candidates should be vigilant about fraudulent job postings pretending to represent KLA. KLA never requires payment for interview or employment consideration and conducts a multi-step interview process. Suspicious communication should be reported directly to KLA’s talent acquisition team.