Lead Embedded Software Engineer (Machine Control/Linux/C/C++)

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

Your Role: Lead, Innovate, Grow

• We’re seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Embedded Software Engineer to join our dynamic team in the RAPID division. In this role, you’ll be instrumental in designing, developing, and sustaining the complex embedded software that powers our industry-leading reticle inspection systems. You’ll provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and contribute significantly to the architecture and implementation of real-time control systems, sensor and image-capture pipelines, and hardware interfaces.

• Strong systems-thinking mindset grounded in first principles and physics, with hands-on familiarity with motion control systems (stepper, servo, or piezo motors; servo control loops), sensors and direct exposure to integrated electrical, mechanical, and optical hardware — able to reason across the software–hardware boundary and understand how design choices affect overall system behavior.

• We’re looking for an exceptional technical leader who is eager to influence team direction, strengthen leadership capabilities, and shape project planning and execution. You’ll drive key technical decisions, mentor others, and play a central role in delivering successful project outcomes.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the Charge: Spearhead the design, development, and deployment of complex software and firmware for machine control in semiconductor inspection systems — including demanding real-time embedded applications built in C/C++ for electro-mechanical control, running on an RTOS (real-time Linux, VxWorks) in high-reliability environments.
• Architect the Future: Design and implement robust, scalable software for system control, high-speed data acquisition, image processing, and intricate hardware interaction; translate system-level requirements into sound software design and implementation.
• Collaborate across Boundaries: Partner with multidisciplinary experts across mechanical, systems, electrical, optics, opto-mechanical, algorithms, and applications teams to build truly integrated solutions.
• Mentor and Inspire: Guide junior engineers, share your expertise, and cultivate a team culture centered on technical excellence and growth.
• Drive Best Practices: Champion modern software development methodologies (Agile, CI/CD, automated testing); define and execute test plans to measure subsystem performance, then document, analyze, and present the results.
• Solve Tough Problems: Dive deep to troubleshoot complex system-level issues and optimize performance-critical software.
• Shape the Strategy: Contribute to project planning, risk management, and technical roadmap discussions, participating across all stages of development — design, implementation, deployment, testing, and troubleshooting.

Required Skills & Qualification:

• MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Control Systems, or a related field.
• 8+ years of embedded software development experience in an industrial environment.
• Strong C/C++ programming skills with a solid foundation in Object-Oriented Design and Programming (OOD/OOP).
• Deep experience with Linux/RTOS environments, multithreading, synchronization, and software architecture design.
• Working knowledge of communication protocols such as RS-232 serial, Ethernet, EtherCAT, and TCP/IP socket and network programming.
• Strong software debugging and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on experience developing software/firmware for motion control and real-time control applications — including closed-loop servo control, classical or modern control theory, and control of stepper, servo, and/or piezo motors.
• Ability to apply first-principles and physics-based thinking to analyze complex systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present and defend software designs in technical reviews.
• Self-motivated and collaborative, with high curiosity, a fast-learning mindset, and perseverance — driven to turn prototype ideas into production-quality code for mission-critical applications.

Preferred (nice to have) Skills:

• Hands-on laboratory experience with electrical, mechanical, and optical measurement instruments.
• Experience with semiconductor fab operations or manufacturing technology.
• Linux administration and UML modeling knowledge.
• Proficiency in Python or another scripting language.
• Project planning and management skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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.