Systems Design Engineer – Optical Imaging Systems R&D

Job Title

Systems Design Engineer – Optical Imaging Systems R&D

Role Summary

Design, analyze, and validate system-level performance for next-generation optical inspection platforms within the RAPID Advanced Technology team. Work cross-functionally with optics, mechanics, electronics, algorithms, and manufacturing to translate system requirements into validated designs.

This role focuses on optical physics and system engineering, combining simulation, data analysis, prototyping, and experimental validation to meet product roadmap and customer requirements.

Experience Level

Senior — experience expectations vary by degree: Doctorate +3 years, Master’s +6 years, Bachelor’s +8 years (see Education Requirements for details).

Responsibilities

The engineer will own system-level definition, analysis, and verification activities and support prototype implementation and performance validation.

• Investigate feasibility of novel system and subsystem concepts.
• Define system requirements, specifications, and verification plans across optical, mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems.
• Develop and maintain error budgets linking subsystem performance to overall system requirements.
• Perform simulation and data analysis to model and validate system performance.
• Support prototype design, implementation, alignment and performance validation on tools or experimental benches.
• Collect and analyze experimental data to demonstrate concept value and performance.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions for system/subsystem performance issues.
• Collaborate with engineering, applications, manufacturing, and service teams across the product lifecycle.
• Present technical results and trade-offs to engineering teams and management.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience for successful performance in this role.

• Strong background in engineering or physical sciences with demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Solid foundation in optical physics: imaging systems, diffraction, illumination, and wave optics.
• Demonstrated experience in system performance analysis and error budgeting for complex systems.
• Hands-on experience with optical system modeling and simulation tools.
• Experimental experience with optical bench design, alignment, and measurement is preferred.
• Proficiency in data acquisition, numerical analysis, and visualization using MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and trade-offs to cross-functional teams and to work both independently and collaboratively.

Education Requirements

Minimum qualifications specify degree-and-experience equivalencies: Doctorate (PhD) plus 3 years related work experience; Master’s degree plus 6 years related work experience; Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years related work experience. Fields referenced include engineering or physical sciences. (Equivalent practical experience likely acceptable per posted equivalency table.)

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.