Optical Engineer (E)
Kla
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
USD 84,800-144,200 / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 17, 2025
Base Pay Range: $84,800.00 - $144,200.00Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLAKLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits identified below. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits identified below. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed above reflects the minimum and maximum pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
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
Optical Engineers are core to KLA’s technology, while we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our Optical Engineering talent community, we are interested in learning about your background.
Apply to this posting for Future Opportunities with KLA.
- Designing and specifying optical components and modules such as lasers, LEDs, optical filters, cameras, sensors, and lens assemblies
- Creating specification documents and working with vendors to design for manufacturability and process
- Calibrating, testing, and troubleshooting prototype optical systems
- Assembling and aligning tabletop optical components
- Developing, documenting, and detailing operational methods sheets and assembly procedures with vendors
- Implement optical alignment and metrology process or test/tooling fixtures to achieve targeted optical performance
- Integrating prototype systems onto semiconductor tools for system function testing and validation
- Determining test methods and procedures for technical de-risk or to eliminate root causes
- Reporting and presenting results to guide design decisions
- Evaluating design alternatives especially for timeline, tolerancing, manufacturability, light budgets, error budgets, and gauge repeatability and reproducibility
- Following a design process with reviews, procurement from vendors, first-article inspection, testing, prototype integration, and design release
PROFICIENT IN:
- Following checklists, processes, protocols, and other technical documentation
- Demonstrating an understanding of optical subsystems and their interface with other subsystems, e.g. mechanical, electrical, control, environment, and software
- Performing in-depth system troubleshooting using diagnostics, protocols, theory of operations, and other information
- Creating technical and process related procedures from scratch, redlining drafts, and updating and releasing documentation
- Assisting with technical conference calls and support issues escalated from the field and customer
- Developing recommendations and acting independently to determine appropriate test and troubleshooting methods
- Working on complex complex assignments where independent action and a high degree of initiative are required for problem solving
QUALIFICATIONS:
- An understanding of optics theory, especially illumination, imaging, and microscope systems, is a must
- Experience with optical design in software such as CodeV, Zemax, or Lighttools
- Optical bench, subsystem, or system assembly experience and comfort with complex optomechanical alignment
- Ability to measure, troubleshoot, test, process, and communicate data, images, signals, and readings
- Ability to travel to manufacturing and customer facilities ( domestic and international ) as part of product development
- Be results driven
- Proven ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment with changing workloads and deadlines
- Be able to work in a multi-discipline and multi-culture global organization
- Degrees in optical engineering preferred
- Experience with spectroscopy, coatings, and optomechanics a plus
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) or work experience of 0 years , Master's Level Degree or work experience of 2 years , Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 3 yearsThe company offers a total rewards package that is competitive and comprehensive including but not limited to the following: 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.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. 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.