Control Systems Engineer (PLC Specialist)

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

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

We are looking for an Electrical Control Systems Engineer with in-depth expertise in PLC programming, particularly across platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens. In this role, you will design complex PLC logic to automate and control systems, design schematics for control system (i.e. PLC I/O wiring, etc.),  while also developing intuitive HMI (Human-Machine Interface) solutions to enhance operator usability. You will be responsible for PID control loops circuit design whether for precise temperature control, motion systems, or other process feedback, ensuring stable closed or cascade loops including PID tunning and configurations. You’ll work across the full project lifecycle: from gathering requirements, initial concept and detail design, integration, and implementation to commissioning and ongoing optimization. Familiarity with FPGA technology, microcontrollers (such as ARM or AVR), or DSPs will be beneficial as you contribute to diverse control architectures. In this role, you’ll ensure our control systems are robust, efficient, and seamlessly integrated into the overall solution.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conceptual and detailed design using design tools (i.e. OrCAD, AutoCAD, PSpice, Xilinx/Altera FPGA / EPLD development system, etc.), also firmware development using Siemens, Allen Bradley PLCS, etc.

• Testing and data analysis using tools (i.e. MATLAB, Python, etc.), detailed drawings, design review presentations, procurement of prototype parts, system integration, prototype testing, and handoff to manufacturing.

• Collaborates with mechanical, software, systems and manufacturing engineers to ensure seamless integration and test at the subsystem and system level.

• Develops the required supporting documentation, such as assembly and test procedures, and service manuals.

• Partners with suppliers to ensure all design requirements are specified and achieved.

• Addresses and resolves product issues thru the product phases.

• Leads and oversees projects from initiation to completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in Electrical Engineering   

• Electrical engineering background

• Basic electrical circuit design with design tools such as OrCAD, AutoCAD, PSpice, Xilinx/Altera FPGA /EPLD or development system

• PLC programming design (Siemens, Allen Bradley, OMRON, etc.)

• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools

• Project management experience preferred

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

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

Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $172,800.00 Annually
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.

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.