Algorithm Engineer - High Performance Computing

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

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.

Position Description

KLA is seeking a highly motivated Algorithm Engineer to join the Algorithm Group within the Reticle Product Division. In this role, you will develop advanced algorithms that power next-generation reticle inspection systems used in semiconductor manufacturing.

You will work at the intersection of algorithm development, high-performance computing, and software engineering to solve complex technical challenges and advance the performance and capabilities of KLA's semiconductor inspection systems.

Key Responsibilities

Algorithm Development

• Design, develop, and optimize algorithms for pattern classification, defect detection, and optical imaging modeling within advanced semiconductor inspection systems.
• Develop high-performance, production-quality software using modern C++.
• Design, implement, and optimize GPU-accelerated solutions using CUDA C++.
• Improve algorithm performance through parallel computing, profiling, memory optimization, and performance tuning across CPU and GPU architectures.
• Analyze large datasets to improve algorithm robustness, accuracy, and throughput.
• Collaborate with hardware, optics, systems, applications, and product engineering teams to optimize inspection performance.
• Investigate and resolve complex technical and customer issues while supporting the deployment of algorithms into production. Occasional international travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CUDA C++, GPU programming, parallel computing, and high-performance computing.
• Experience developing computationally intensive algorithms and software.
• Experience in semiconductor inspection, computational lithography, computational optical imaging, image processing, or related technical domains.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field; or
• MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in algorithm development, numerical methods, optimization, or related technical disciplines.
• Strong proficiency in modern C++ software development.
• Experience developing and optimizing software applications for CPU and/or GPU architectures.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.

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

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 talent.acquisition@kla.com 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.