Optics Technology Manager

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

Group/Division

KLA’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has a critical role in researching and developing leading-edge, forward-looking technology. The CTO Office collaborates with product divisions and strategic marketing to work on future technologies such as light sources, lasers and sensors. We also bring technical input into KLA’s strategic planning process, program reviews and product lifecycle (PLC) phases. Our broad technology expertise and cross-division experience harnesses the collective knowledge within our company to propel technology advancements.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

The Optics Technology Manager will join a high-performing CTO team of technologists driving innovation in sensors, sources, and optics. The program manager will work closely with strategic suppliers in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems. The program manager will engage with KLA technologist at the architecture stage and provide technical guidance related to technology supplier selection, risk assessment and manufacturability.

• Develop supplier technology roadmap to enable KLA’s product roadmap

• Provide leadership and continuity of relationship with technology suppliers

• Be accountable for technology success from R&D to Production

• Drive collaboration between CTO, Engineering, and Operations teams

• Support technology prototyping, problem solving and risk mitigation

Required Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Physics, Optics, EE with a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience.

• Technical expertise in at least 2 optics areas: design, coating, metrology, optomech, materials

• Collaborative with a strong technical foundation and effective communication skills

• Ability to travel up to 10% internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with SEMI metrology or litho related companies

• Experience with Technology Supplier Management in Optics, Lasers or SEMI industry

• Knowledge of SEMI DUV/UV optics suppliers, coating equipment manufacturers

• Knowledge of Patent/IP portfolio and Development Agreements

• Knowledge of lasers, laser damage threshold and DUV degradation mechanisms.

• Understanding of photo-contamination control and cleanroom protocols

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $233,967.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Use of AI Statement 

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.