Staff Laser Scientist
KLAJob Title
Staff Laser Scientist
Role Summary
Senior R&D role within the Office of the CTO focused on design, characterization and system-level integration of solid-state and DUV laser sources for semiconductor metrology. Collaborate with cross-functional opto-mechanical engineers, suppliers, and the CTO team to develop robust, production-ready laser modules.
Experience Level
Senior — requires a doctorate and at least 5 years of research experience in laser physics, optics, or a closely related field.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include design, test, and system integration of laser sources and related optics.
- Develop and modularize laser concepts on optical test benches; implement controls to improve performance and stability.
- Perform characterization, throughput and reliability testing of critical crystals and optics (e.g., CLBO, BBO, PPLT/PPSLT, coated optics).
- Translate laser performance to system requirements; identify technical risks and define risk-retirement plans.
- Allocate error budgets for opto-mechanical sub-assemblies; simulate and model stability and tolerance impacts; verify experimentally.
- Work with design engineers during prototype development; contribute to opto-mech specifications and design reviews.
- Coordinate with internal CTO teams and external suppliers to transfer knowledge and optimize laser system designs.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed separately.
- Strong knowledge of solid-state laser design and non-linear optics; proficient in theoretical simulation and experimental characterization of lasers.
- Experience with DUV laser design and managing complex laser/optical systems.
- Hands-on experience with harmonic-generation crystals and their characterization.
- Excellent experimental skills, data analysis, and problem-solving ability.
- Experience defining error budgets, performing stability/reliability modeling, and verifying tolerance impacts.
- Effective team player with solid written and verbal communication skills.
- Nice-to-have: experience with photo-contamination control practices and supplier qualification.
Education Requirements
Doctorate (PhD) in Physics or Optics with at least 5 years of research experience. Fields cited: Physics, Optics. No alternative-equivalent-experience language was provided in the source.
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.
