Optics Research Scientist / Technologist

About the role

KLA, a global leader in electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, is looking for an Optics Research Scientist / Technologist to join its Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) group. The team drives innovation in sensors, sources and optics, and works closely with strategic suppliers on the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems. The role engages with KLA technologists at the architecture stage, giving technical input on optics supplier selection, technical risk assessment and manufacturability.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the supplier technology roadmap to support KLA's product roadmap.
• Maintain leadership and continuity of the relationship with the technology supplier.
• Own technology success from R&D through to production.
• Drive coordination between the CTO, divisions and other teams.
• Support technology prototyping, problem solving and risk mitigation.

Required profile

• Respected subject matter expert in their field.
• Good communication and collaboration skills, experience presenting to customers and resolving conflicts.
• Hands-on experience with optical material characterization, thin film coating systems and technologies.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% internationally.
• Minimum qualification: PhD or MS in Optics, Physics, EE or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.

Required skills

• Technical expertise in coatings (design, processes, materials) is highly desired.
• Preferred: experience in optical inspection and metrology systems.
• Preferred: knowledge of DUV/UV optics suppliers and coating equipment manufacturers.
• Preferred: familiarity with thin film metrology methods (spectroscopy, ellipsometry, SEM/TEM, AFM, EDS, XRD) and defect analysis.
• Preferred: understanding of photo-contamination control, cleanroom protocols and optics cleaning/surface preparation.
• Preferred: knowledge of lasers, laser damage threshold and DUV degradation mechanisms.