AI Engineer (C++ / Computer Vision)

About the role

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

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. The RAPID division leads the industry in reticle inspection solutions, helping ensure high lithography yields and cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems support both mask shops and fabs by detecting defects early in the process, enabling faster, more reliable production.

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.

KLA is seeking a motivated AI Engineer with a growth mindset to join a world-class algorithm group within the Reticle And Photomask Inspection Division (RAPID)! In this role, you will design and develop deep learning models blended with classical methods (e.g., physics-based modeling or signal processing) to advance KLA's innovative inspection platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Deep Learning & Computer Vision

• Design, train, and deploy deep learning models for image understanding tasks such as image translation, segmentation, anomaly detection, and defect analysis on inspection systems
• Abstract specific tasks into generalized mathematical problems and devise customized models and algorithmic solutions
• Curate and manage datasets; establish rigorous training, validation, and evaluation pipelines

Innovation and Execution

• Drive innovation by proposing novel approaches and delivering production-quality, maintainable code
• Identify technical bottlenecks and balance model sophistication against computational complexity through comprehensive data analysis
• Improve model accuracy; optimize models for inference throughput, including GPU-accelerated and high-performance computing

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate directly with other teams to co-optimize algorithms along with other sub-systems for best overall system design
• Work with field teams and customers to support model deployments and ensure seamless integration of AI solutions to inspection systems at customer sites, including occasional international travel

Qualifications & Attributes

• REQUIRED: relevant publications must be listed on resume
• PhD (New College Graduate OR preference of 1-2 yrs of experience) in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in C++ programming
• Significant experience in deep learning, for computer vision and image understanding
• Knowledge in physics-based modeling or signal processing
• Proficiency with modern deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow) and Python

Desired Expertise

• Scientific computing, numerical optimization, and computational geometry
• Modeling of imaging systems (electron-beam or optical)
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing and process control is a plus

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

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: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 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 [email protected] 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.