Applications Development Manager

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.

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, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non-uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

• Lead and manage a global team of applications engineers, ensuring effective resource allocation and delivery of worldwide customer technical support activities (field evaluations, escalations, customer demos, new tool penetrations and use case adoption).
• Collaborate with cross-functional internal stakeholders (Marketing, Engineering, Algorithm, Software, Manufacturing) and represent Voice of Applications to drive product roadmaps
• Plan, execute, and oversee PLC (product lifecycle phases); focusing on applications characterization requirements and continuous improvement of solutions.
• Partner closely with field business units to understand customer needs, translate technical requirements, and align applications strategy with strategic goals.
• Drive adoption of new products and features by developing and disseminating use cases, conducting customer workshops, and demonstrating tool capabilities to increase penetration and business impact
• Mentor and train engineers to strengthen technical expertise, project management skills, and foster a collaborative, innovative team environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/ Master’s/ Ph.D Degree in Engineering, Semiconductor Technology, or a related field, with 6–8 years of technical experience in the semiconductor industry.
• Strong background in semiconductor processes, with expertise in inspection, metrology, or process tools within applications engineering.
• Familiarity with the semiconductor ecosystem, coupled with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven experience managing cross‑departmental collaboration and complex, global implementation projects, including direct engagement with product divisions and customers.
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-functional teams, driving product adoption, and influencing product development strategies.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with a track record of customer engagement through workshops, demos, and technical support.
• Ability to foster innovation, build high‑performance teams, and balance technical depth with business strategy.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

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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