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 we invest 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

The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) plays a critical role in developing advanced long-range technology in collaboration with product divisions and strategic marketing, working on future technology like light sources, lasers, and sensors. We are engaged in the research and development process, and once the technology is mature, we partner with product engineering groups who then build products based on the technology we’ve developed. The Office of the CTO also provides technical input into KLA’s strategic planning process, program reviews and Product Life Cycle (PLC) phases. We provide our broad technology expertise and cross-division experience to ensure we leverage the collective knowledge within our company.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are looking for a Surface Scientist & Failure Analyst who loves to dig deeply into materials properties, and who has a passion and strive to gain a deep understanding of the materials, materials property changes, and how that impacts our R&D on novel materials used in the Semiconductor Equipment Industry. Someone who will be undeterred in working towards root cause analysis.

Job Responsibilities
The scientist will carry out causes analysis of materials and of failed optics and other system components of by means of non-destructive and destructive examination methods.

• Maintains customer satisfaction by ensuring quality and customer service standards

• Can lead planning discussions with engineering teams to help solidify a proper step by step FA plan.

• Review diagnostic/test data of current and next generation products to identify issues, plan FA next steps (what type of FA, sampling plan)

• Lead root cause investigation of customer returns and root cause investigation of internal failures during new product introduction

• Provide timely response to customers on product related issues

• Drive systemic improvements in the factory

• Design experiments and tests for root cause investigations

• Responsible for communication across the whole organization regarding FA topics

Primary tools SEM/EDS, microscopy, and AFM.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Physics, or Science with semiconductor emphasis

• Experience with SEM/ESD - We have an extraordinary teacher for you to work with to further grow these skills.

• Experience with microscopy and using optical microscopes

• Familiarity with FA equipment, and other analytical techniques FIB, X-Ray, Auger, etc.

• Proficient with image manipulation software

• Good report writing and excellent customer management skills

Desired Qualifications

• Fab and/or assembly process experience
• AFM experience
• FTIR experience
• GCMS experience
• Knowledge and experience in semiconductor IC processing technology
• Physical failure analysis of plasma etching
• Metallurgy
• Nanoprobing experience
• Experience with procuring Failure Analysis equipment and handling capital equipment budgets

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 5 years , Master's Level Degree or work experience of 7 years , Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 9 years

The company offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to the following: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, financial planning benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, family care and bonding leave.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. 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 to request accommodation.