Optics Research Scientist

Job Title

Optics Research Scientist

Role Summary

Join the Office of the Chief Technology Officer to develop modeling, analysis and design capabilities for high-performance optical systems used in semiconductor inspection. Work with experienced optical engineers and cross-functional teams on simulation, design, testing, and supplier integration. This role emphasizes technical growth, mentorship, and hands-on engineering work.

Experience Level

Mid-level research role focused on development and technical growth; no specific years of experience listed.

Responsibilities

Work on modeling, design, analysis, testing, and integration of advanced wafer-inspection optics alongside senior engineers and cross-functional teams.

• Model and analyze advanced wafer-inspection optical systems.
• Assist in design and evaluation of objective lenses and optical subsystems.
• Apply optical system design principles, weighing performance, manufacturability, and cost tradeoffs.
• Perform optical simulations, tolerance analysis, and data analysis using industry-standard and proprietary tools.
• Collaborate on system architecture and multidisciplinary design challenges.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external suppliers on optics fabrication and manufacturing considerations.
• Participate in experiments, testing, and validation of optical system performance.
• Contribute to documentation, technical reviews, and design discussions.
• Develop familiarity with semiconductor inspection technologies and high-precision optical engineering practices.

Requirements

Core technical skills and experience required to perform the role. Degree requirements are listed separately under Education Requirements.

• Must-have: Practical experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g. Zemax, Code V, OSLO) or equivalent.
• Must-have: Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar environments for modeling and data analysis.
• Must-have: Solid understanding of geometrical optics, physical optics, imaging systems, and optical tolerancing.
• Must-have: Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Nice-to-have: Experience with UV or deep-UV optical systems.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with optical metrology, fabrication, or optomechanical systems.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with semiconductor equipment or physics simulation tools such as COMSOL or Lumerical.
• Nice-to-have: Internship or research experience related to optics or imaging systems.

Education Requirements

Doctorate (Ph.D. / Doctorate) in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required (minimum qualification stated as Doctorate).

About the Company

Company: KLA

Headquarters: Chennai, India

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The company enables the production of electronic devices by inventing systems and solutions for manufacturing integrated circuits, wafers, and displays. With over 40 years of experience, KLA invests heavily in innovation and R&D to support advanced chip design and manufacturing process optimization, collaborating with top technology providers to deliver future electronic devices.