Sr Software Engineer (C++, AI/ML, OOP, Linux)

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.

Group/Division

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 RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides inspection solutions to both the mask shops and the semiconductor fabs to ensure that lithography yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Job Summary

Build cutting‑edge C++ software for next‑gen mask inspection systems. Work with cross‑functional experts and tackle complex, high‑impact engineering challenges. Create framework for AI tooling. RPC/REST API experience is a big plus.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

KLA RAPID Division is seeking a highly motivated individual with strong expertise in C++ programming and data analysis. The ideal candidate will possess excellent problem‑solving and debugging skills, along with a deep understanding of multi‑threaded and multi‑process programming environments. Experience in RPC and REST API architectures with deployment in Kubernetes is a strong plus.

In this role, you will develop machine control and data analysis software for advanced mask inspection systems. You’ll also integrate AI and machine learning capabilities into KLA systems to generate insights to improving tool availability.   You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams—including electrical, mechanical, optical, algorithm, and software engineers—to gain comprehensive domain knowledge and address complex system‑level challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop inspection machine control software and data analytics solutions for advanced mask inspection systems.

• Integrate AI capabilities into production tool and evaluate different model training and inference flows

• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to define and implement system requirements.

• Optimize and maintain existing codebases to ensure performance, scalability, and reliability.

• Provide support during integration/test and handle escalations from customer sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or another related field.

• Proven experience in C++ programming, object‑oriented design (OOD/OOP), and design patterns.

• Strong background in data analysis and debugging in multi-process multi-threaded apps.

• Strong leadership qualities, teamwork skills, and motivation for team success.

• Proficiency in Linux‑based development environments.

• RPC/REST interface definitions experience is a plus.

• Familiarity with databases (PostgreSQL, Prometheus) and Observability tools (Grafana)

• Familiarity with frontend tool stacks such as Qt or other modern UI frameworks (Vue/React/Angular/Gtk).

• Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Singularity) and Kubernetes is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate + 0 years, Master's + 3 years, or Bachelor's Degree + 5 years of related experience.

Base Pay Range: $136,300.00 - $231,700.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA’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 websitefor 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.