Staff Plasma Physics Research Scientist

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.

The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) plays a critical role in developing advanced long-range technology in collaboration with product divisions and strategic marketing, working on future technology like light sources, lasers, and sensors. We are engaged in the research and development process, and once the technology is mature, we partner with product engineering groups who then build products based on the technology we’ve developed. The Office of the CTO also provides technical input into KLA’s strategic planning process, program reviews and Product Life Cycle (PLC) phases. We provide our broad technology expertise and cross-division experience to ensure we leverage the collective knowledge within our company.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

The CTO Group has an extremely diverse project portfolio. We perform simulations and experiments to understand light-matter interaction in laser-sustained plasma systems. Successful candidates should have a clear understanding of multiple physical processes involved in plasma generation and proficiency in system level laser-sustained plasma performance studies, both in experimental characterization and theoretical simulations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct new laser sustained plasma technology investigations, including plasma system performance simulations, experimental design and research setup construction.

• Carry out independent and collaborative research to perform plasma characterization and experimental data analysis to demonstrate the desired plasma performance.

• Develop architectures for LSP prototype, utilizing high-level system requirements while considering performance, reliability, serviceability and cost. Collaborating with our laser and optics research scientists, as well as target manufacturing experts, to develop new experimental platforms to prove the feasibility and reduce technical risks.

• Clearly document and present concepts, designs and experimental data. Work closely with other scientists and engineers, laser, optical, mechanical, electrical and software, to achieve final releasing target.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience building and operating complex optical benches

• Familiarity with approaches and challenges of laser-induced or sustained plasma, nuclear physics, or high energy physics

• Sound academic training in plasma physics, fluid mechanics, nuclear physics, atomic physics or a related field.

• Familiarity with COMSOL or Ansys software for plasma simulations.

• Experience with data analysis using software tools such as IDL, MATLAB, or Python.

• Must be a team player with good written and verbal communication skills

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field

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

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.