Staff Laser Research Scientist

About the role

KLA, a global leader in electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, is hiring a Staff Laser Research Scientist. The role sits in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, which develops advanced long-range technologies such as light sources, lasers and sensors, and partners with product engineering groups once the technology is mature.

Key responsibilities

• Study laser performance theoretically and experimentally, and modularize laser concepts demonstrated on optical tables
• Implement features and controls to improve optical performance and laser stability
• Characterize and run reliability tests on critical laser crystals and components such as CLBO, BBO, PPSLT and coated optics
• Work with suppliers so that delivered products meet expected performance, and fit laser performance to system requirements
• Identify major technical risks and propose feasible risk-retirement plans
• Allocate error budgets for opto-mechanical sub-assemblies and model laser stability and reliability against design tolerances
• Verify experimentally the impact of key parameter deviations and take part in prototype laser design reviews
• Collaborate with the CTO team in Milpitas on laser system design and optimization

Required profile

• Doctorate (academic) in Physics or Optics with at least 5 years of research experience
• Experience with DUV laser design and with utilizing and characterizing harmonic generation crystals
• Excellent experimentalist with strong problem-solving and data-analysis skills
• Prior experience with photo-contamination control best practices is highly desired
• Team player with good written and verbal communication skills