Staff Laser Scientist

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) plays a critical role in developing advanced long-range technology in collaboration with product divisions and strategic marketing, working on future technology like light sources, lasers, and sensors. We are engaged in the research and development process, and once the technology is mature, we partner with product engineering groups who then build products based on the technology we’ve developed. The Office of the CTO also provides technical input into KLA’s strategic planning process, program reviews and Product Life Cycle (PLC) phases. We provide our broad technology expertise and cross-division experience to ensure we leverage the collective knowledge within our company.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

This position requires strong knowledge on solid-state laser design, non-linear optics and analytical skills. The candidate must be proficient in system level laser performance study, both in theoretical simulation and experimental characterization.  

• Use your laser design and analytical skills, modularize laser concept demonstrated using experimental setups on the optical table. Implement features and controls to improve the optical performance and laser stability. 

• Perform throughout characterization and reliability test for critical laser crystals and components, such as CLBO, BBO, PPSLT and coated optics. Work closely with related strategic suppliers to ensure the product delivered to KLA can meet the expected performance. 

• Fit the laser performance to the final system requirement, study the major technical risks and come out with feasible risk retirement plan. 

• Based on the defined laser specification, allocate correct error budgets for important opto-mech sub-assemblies. Perform simulations, modelling and analysing the laser stability and reliability with designed tolerances in place. Verify experimentally on system impact of key parameter deviations.

• Work closely with related design engineers during the prototype laser development phase. Involve in their opto-mech module spec definition and design reviews processes. 

• Strong team building with CTO team in Milpitas and download the knowledge/experience gained during experimental feasibility study. Work closely with them for laser system design and optimization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (Academic) in Physics or Optics with at least 5 years of research experience

• Must be experienced with DUV laser design, skilled at designing or managing a complex laser and optical systems.

• Must be experienced with utilization and characterization of harmonic generation crystals.

• Must be excellent experimentalist with good problem-solving and data analysis skills.

• Prior experience with photo-contamination control best practices is highly desired.

• Must be a team player with good written and verbal communication skills.

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

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