Senior Manager, Semiconductor Applications Development Engineering

About the role

KLA's Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells inspection, metrology and analytics systems to chip manufacturers, while its Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) division delivers metrology solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The company is seeking a highly experienced Senior Manager of Semiconductor Applications Development Engineering to lead a team that develops and validates advanced applications for KLA's semiconductor metrology and inspection equipment, driving the strategic direction of applications development, ensuring customer success and fostering technical excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of applications development engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship and performance management.
• Define and execute applications development roadmaps aligned with KLA's product strategy and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with product management, R&D and sales to turn customer needs into effective applications solutions.
• Oversee development, testing and validation of new applications, algorithms and methodologies for metrology and inspection tools.
• Drive customer engagements, including technical presentations, demonstrations and support for critical customer issues.
• Ensure timely, successful delivery of applications solutions meeting performance and quality expectations.
• Develop deep technical expertise in semiconductor manufacturing processes, defect mechanisms and metrology challenges.
• Identify and implement best practices, including process improvements and tool enhancements.
• Represent KLA as a technical expert at industry conferences and customer meetings.
• Manage project schedules, resources and budgets.

Required profile

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry, focused on applications development, process integration or metrology/inspection.
• 5+ years in a leadership or management role leading technical teams.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes (lithography, etch, deposition, CMP) and their defectivity and metrology challenges.
• Proven experience with semiconductor metrology or inspection equipment (optical inspection, e-beam inspection, CD-SEM, film thickness, overlay).
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Required skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to drive projects to completion and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as JMP, Python or MATLAB is highly desirable.
• Computational modeling knowledge and understanding of IC processing and semiconductor equipment are a plus.

What we offer

• Base pay range of $179,600 to $269,400 annually, depending on role, level and location.
• Possible performance incentive programs and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, EAP, paid time off and family care leave.