New

Optics Technology Program Manager (E)

KLA
paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Michigan, Ann Arbor
1200 Woodridge Avenue (Show on map)
Nov 06, 2025
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 Optics Technology Program Managers are core to KLA's technology, while we do not currently have an opening, we are always building our Optics Technology Program Managers talent community, we are interested in learning about your background. Apply to this posting for Future Opportunities with KLA. Job Responsibilities/Duties The successful candidate will join a high-caliber team of technologists in the CTO group driving innovation in the areas of sensors, sources, and optics. The responsibilities of the technology program manager in the TAP group entail: Work closely with strategic suppliers in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems. Support projects from R&D to production escalations. Engage with KLA technologist at the architecture stage and provide relevant technical input related to optics supplier selection, technical risk assessment and manufacturability. Provide support for the development of prototype optical elements and coatings through modeling, prototyping and detailed test plans. Develop supplier technology roadmap to enable KLA's product roadmap Provide leadership and continuity of relationship with technology supplier Be accountable for technology success from R&D to Production Drive coordination between CTO, Divisions, and other teams Provide R&D support and strategize new requests from divisions Support technology prototyping, problem solving and risk mitigation Required Qualifications PhD or MS in Optics, Physics, EE or related field with a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience. Experience in optical inspection and metrology systems Must be respected as a subject matter expert in their field coupled with a track record of collaborating across teams to achieve a common goal Technical expertise in coatings including coating designs, coating processes, coating materials is highly desired. Hands-on experience with optical material characterization, thin film coating systems and technologies. Ability to troubleshoot and problem solving. Must have good communication and collaboration skills, experience with customer presentations and ability to resolve conflicts. Ability to travel up to 10% internationally Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of DUV/UV optics suppliers, coating equipment manufacturers. Familiarity with thin film metrology methods (e.g. Spectroscopy, Ellipsometry, SEM/TEM, AFM, EDS, and XRD, etc.) and defect analysis. Understanding of photo-contamination control, cleanroom protocols, and optics cleaning/surface preparation techniques. Knowledge of lasers and understanding of laser damage threshold and DUV degradation mechanisms. Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 5 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 12 years Base Pay Range: $180,000.00 - $306,000.00 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. 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.