Applications Engineering Manager

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.

SPTS wafer processing solutions include market-leading silicon etch, dielectric etch, dry-release etch, PVD, PECVD and molecular vapor deposition (MVD®), available with a range of wafer-handling options applicable to R&D, pilot production, or volume production environments. SPTS is headquartered and has its main manufacturing facility in Newport, UK, with additional manufacturing in Allentown, Pennsylvania. SPTS operates across 19 countries in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, and offers comprehensive service and spare parts support through a worldwide network of service centers and qualified local agents.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Role Description

Lead team of application engineers in SE Asia and working with Etch, CVD, PVD Business unit team, the primary responsibilities of this role will be to perform field engineering & application activities related to PVD, Etch, CVD process in CMOS, Memory, MEMS, Power & Advanced Packaging market segments.

This will involve working on several different process module types and a huge range of applications at multiple customer sites, collecting data, investigating problems & generating new processes to meet the customer requirements, as well as an element of hardware testing. Additional responsibilities would include writing technical reports for both internal and external use.

This role will also involve advising both KLA field teams and other members of the Newport team on escalation status, application development and process tuning

This position will be based in Singapore and reporting directly into Apps Manager in SE Asia. Role will involve up to 40% international travel, typically to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India.

Key Duties

Problem Solving & Trouble Shooting

• Supporting key customer escalations in the region

• Data collection & analysis, reporting

• Detailed problem solving using 8D methodology

Product & Process development

• Identifying weaknesses in the product based on customer needs

• Develop solutions on site with customers for those needs using existing toolset

• Where outside toolset capability, feeding back customer developments, engagement & needs to UK business unit

• Develop new processes in line with KLA roadmaps

• Plan, work and implement solutions in a safe, logical and timely manner

Tool Qualification

• Together with the field team obtaining field acceptance on customer’s sites

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience of wafer processing gained either at an equipment vendor or a wafer fab. A Creative and innovative approach to problem solving leading to novel but practical solutions.

• Experience directly with PVD, Etch, CVD process development & applications, with some PVD hardware knowledge in semiconductor industry would be highly advantageous.

• The foresight and ability to collect, filter and analyze data to solve complex problems.

• Good analytical skills including the ability to be hands on in fabs, measuring films, coordinating activities from experiment to result & reporting

• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.

• Ability to communicate clearly in verbal and written forms with HQ engineering teams

• Bachelor's Degree level (or equivalent experience) in a chemistry, physics, or other relevant field with relevant industry experience

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

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 website for 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.