Staff Systems Design Engineer - X-Ray Metrology

About the role

KLA's Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) division delivers metrology solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, and is looking for an experienced Staff Systems Design Engineer to lead the architecture, development and performance delivery of next-generation X-ray-based metrology systems. The role shapes product roadmaps, drives technical strategy, mitigates system-level risks and guides multidisciplinary teams through definition, development, integration and commercialization. About 25% global travel is required.

Key responsibilities

• Lead system architecture definition and technical strategy for next-generation metrology platforms
• Own system-level performance planning, modeling and error budget development, translating requirements into measurable subsystem specs
• Define and allocate requirements across source, optics, detector, mechatronics, vacuum, thermal, controls and software domains
• Run system-level trade studies and lead development of system models to predict performance, sensitivities, failure modes and risks
• Close performance gaps with engineering teams and serve as technical lead for system integration
• Develop verification strategies, lead root-cause investigations and mentor system engineers
• Influence technology roadmaps, represent the discipline in design and executive reviews, and partner with suppliers and research institutions

Required profile

• Preferred: deep experience with X-ray metrology, scattering systems, computational imaging or electron/ion-beam instrumentation, and a track record leading system architecture for semiconductor capital equipment
• Preferred: familiarity with AI/ML-assisted optimization, and recognition through patents, publications or commercialized systems
• Minimum: doctorate with 5 years of experience, master's with 8 years, or bachelor's with 12 years of related work experience
• Experience delivering complex capital equipment or semiconductor manufacturing systems from concept through production

Required skills

• System error budgeting, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification and performance verification
• Strong analytical foundation in physics, optics, electronics, mechatronics, controls or related fields
• Programming and data analysis in Python, MATLAB or equivalent

What we offer

• Base pay range of $186,200 to $273,067 annually
• Possible performance incentives, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, ESPP, tuition reimbursement, EAP, paid time off and family care leave