Product Development Engineer (Chemical)

Company Overview

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design through greater chemical process control is KLA's ECI Technology division. ECI is an industry leader of in-process chemistry control, providing the precision of analysis the industry requires for consistent wafer quality while reducing chip feature size. Advanced wafer design drives the need for precision with reliability; ECI strives to lead the design of analytical equipment which can withstand the rigorous demands of the chemical processes for damascene, wafer-level packaging, clean and wet etch processes, with our Prima, Libra, Quanta and QualiSurf product lines.

Successful Product Development Engineer will work in the System Engineering group based in Totowa, NJ. We are seeking a highly motivated System Engineer with a strong engineering background and preference for chemical/analytical expertise to support the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced analytical instrumentation systems. The candidate will work cross-functionally with R&D, Applications, Manufacturing, and Service teams to deliver reliable and high-performance chemical analysis solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• System Integration & Development
  • Integrate, test, calibrate, and troubleshoot complex analytical instrument systems (hardware + software).
  • Support prototype development, system bring-up, and design validation activities.
  • Work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system-level performance meets design requirements.
• Technical Problem Solving
  • Diagnose and resolve system-level issues involving mechanical, electrical, fluidic, and chemical subsystems.
  • Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions for reliability improvements.
  • Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and validation protocols.
• Analytical & Chemical Support
  • Support analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, electrochemistry, chromatography, titration) as applied in instrumentation.
  • Collaborate with chemistry/R&D teams to evaluate process performance and method integration.
  • Analyze experimental data and provide recommendations for process or system optimization.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Prepare technical reports summarizing test results, findings, and recommendations.
  • Generate and maintain system specifications, test procedures, and engineering documentation.
• Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Act as a liaison between engineering, manufacturing, and field teams.
  • Support product transfer to manufacturing and provide technical guidance during production ramp.
  • Participate in customer issue resolution and field escalation support when required.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years. Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering field
• Strong hands-on experience with system integration, testing, and troubleshooting
• Solid understanding of analytical instruments or chemical process systems
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven mindset
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in chemical analysis, electrochemical systems, spectroscopy, or lab-scale instrumentation
• Experience with analytical techniques such as ICP, IC, HPLC, titration, or similar
• Familiarity with fluidics, wetted materials compatibility, and chemical handling systems
• Experience in semiconductor, analytical instrumentation, or related industries
• Programming or data analysis experience is a plus

Key Skills

• System-level thinking and integration mindset
• Hands-on lab and instrumentation experience
• Root cause analysis and structured problem solving
• Technical documentation and reporting
• Cross-functional collaboration

Work Environment

• Combination of lab, engineering, and light manufacturing environments
• Occasional travel to customer or supplier sites may be required

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

Base Pay Range: $106,000.00 - $180,200.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-NJ-Totowa-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.

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.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees.  KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings.  KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.  If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.