Research Scientist in Plasma Light Source Development at KLA (Ann Arbor, MI)

Job Description

This plasma physics research scientist job at KLA works on the experimental development of next-generation laser-sustained plasma light sources below the UV range, the technical basis of KLA’s future semiconductor wafer inspection tools, in the company’s Central Engineering group in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

At a glance

• Position: Research Scientist, Central Engineering (full time, requisition 2635441)
• Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
• Pay: Base pay $105,900 to $155,300 a year
• Experience: A PhD with no prior work experience is enough
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 24 October 2026)

What the plasma light source research scientist does

• Lead the design and set-up of photometric tools: spectrometers, imagers and photometers
• Process and analyse spectral data from plasma light sources
• Design, build, test and run complex laser, optical, vacuum and high-pressure test set-ups
• Design experiments that retire risks and validate critical subsystems, and assess new concepts
• Help write specifications for future tools and work with external suppliers and partners

Why this role matters

Wafer inspection finds smaller defects when it uses shorter wavelengths and brighter light, and the light source is often the limiting part of the tool. Laser-sustained plasmas are one of the few ways to get bright, stable, short-wavelength light, so this lab work decides what future inspection systems can see.

What KLA is looking for

• A doctorate with no required work experience, or a master’s with 3 years or a bachelor’s with 5 years of related experience
• Experience in plasma spectroscopy and spectral analysis of plasma light sources
• Experience designing and building optical metrology set-ups for photometry and spectroscopy
• Operation of high-power lasers, laser safety, alignment and diagnostics
• Data acquisition and analysis with tools such as Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB

Nice to have

• Optical system modelling with packages such as Zemax or Code V
• Design, tolerancing and testing of optical systems, and opto-mechanics
• Willingness to travel internationally for training and supplier work

Pay and location

The posting gives a base pay range of $105,900 to $155,300 a year for Ann Arbor. KLA’s package may also include performance incentives, medical and dental cover, a 401(k) with company match and an employee stock purchase plan.

How to apply

Apply through the official KLA job posting. KLA’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 24 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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