Staff Algorithm Engineer, EBeam Imaging (E)

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

Staff Algorithm Engineers are core to KLA’s technology, while we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our Staff Algorithm Engineering talent community, we are interested in learning about your background.

Apply to this posting for Future Opportunities with KLA.

KLA is seeking a Staff Algorithm Engineer to develop advanced imaging and computational solutions for next-generation eBeam inspection systems. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer or scientist who enjoys solving complex, multidisciplinary problems spanning image processing, deep learning, physics-based modeling, electron microscopy, and semiconductor manufacturing.

The successful candidate will be a strong systems thinker with demonstrated experience taking complex technical problems from concept and modeling through algorithm development, characterization, and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with electron optics and systems engineering teams to model SEM image formation and understand imaging performance, aberrations, and other physical effects.
• Develop advanced image restoration and defect detection algorithms for low signal-to-noise SEM imaging.
• Apply computer vision, image processing, deep learning, and physics-guided modeling techniques to semiconductor inspection challenges.
• Design and develop digital twin and synthetic SEM simulation capabilities for internal data generation, modeling, and experimentation.
• Partner with applications teams and customers to understand semiconductor manufacturing processes, including lithography, etch, and deposition, and their impact on SEM imaging.
• Develop models that connect semiconductor design and process information with SEM image formation and inspection performance.
• Design and implement end-to-end technical solutions from R&D and proof of concept through in-house characterization, validation, and field deployment.
• Analyze experimental and field data to identify opportunities to improve algorithms and system performance.
• Collaborate across algorithms, electron optics, systems, applications, software, and other engineering teams to solve complex system-level problems.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience developing algorithms or mathematical models for complex imaging, scientific, or engineering applications.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• Experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar machine-learning frameworks.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Computer vision, image processing, or deep learning
  • Physics-based or physics-informed mathematical modeling
  • Computational imaging, image restoration, reconstruction, or defect detection
• Experience or technical knowledge in one or more of the following:
  • SEM, electron microscopy, electron optics, or charged-particle imaging
  • Semiconductor manufacturing, inspection, or metrology
  • Semiconductor lithography, etch, deposition, or related fabrication processes
• Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex, ambiguous technical problems and drive projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing algorithms for SEM, electron-beam, semiconductor inspection, metrology, or other advanced imaging systems.
• Experience with low-SNR imaging, image restoration, inverse problems, or defect detection.
• Experience combining physics-based models with machine learning or data-driven approaches.
• Experience developing simulation, digital twin, or synthetic-data-generation capabilities.
• Understanding of SEM image formation, electron optics, or imaging-system aberrations.
• Familiarity with semiconductor device design and manufacturing processes.
• Experience bringing algorithms from R&D through product implementation, customer evaluation, or field deployment.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 5 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 12 years

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $186,200.00 - $316,500.00 
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

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. 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. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Use of AI Statement

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.