Algorithm Engineer (Image Processing/Computer Vision)

About the role

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

Group/Division

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices.

Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics.

The Broadband Plasma (BBP) division is the market-leading optical inspection system used by logic, foundry, and memory customers to detect critical defects at advanced nodes. These tools combine broadband plasma technology with unmatched sensitivity and speed to support high-volume manufacturing.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

Responsibilities

• Develop, characterize, and optimize advanced image-processing and computer-vision algorithms for semiconductor wafer inspection applications.
• Support customer and factory escalations related to PDA performance, alignment accuracy, nuisance reduction, defect sensitivity, and inspection robustness.
• Analyze large-scale inspection datasets to identify root causes, quantify algorithm performance, and recommend corrective actions.
• Design and implement algorithm enhancements that improve detection capability, accuracy, throughput, and production stability.
• Collaborate with Applications, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Product Management, and Customer Support teams to resolve critical customer issues and accelerate volume ramp activities.
• Develop prototypes using Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools and transition algorithms into production-quality software.
• Evaluate and apply machine learning, deep learning, and AI-based approaches where appropriate to improve inspection and image-analysis performance.
• Conduct algorithm characterization studies, develop performance metrics, and create validation plans for new features and improvements.
• Drive data-driven decision making through statistical analysis, visualization, and automated evaluation frameworks.
• Participate in requirement definition, feature development, code reviews, design reviews, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical leadership for complex debugging and root-cause investigations involving imaging systems, design alignment, and defect detection algorithms.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in:
• Image Processing
• Computer Vision
• Pattern Recognition
• Signal Processing
• Computational Imaging
• Knowledge of image registration, alignment, pattern matching, feature extraction, optical imaging, or defect detection algorithms.
• Experience with machine learning or deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.
• Familiarity with Linux development environments and software development best practices.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a combination of these languages.
• Experience with GPU acceleration, CUDA, parallel computing, or high-performance computing techniques.
• Understanding of optimization methods, model validation, and algorithm performance characterization.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to work on complex technical problems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related field preferred and 1+ years of industry work experience
• Master's degree or equivalent experience with 3+ years of industry work experience

Base Pay Range

$136,300.00 - $199,900.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training.

We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Use of AI Statement

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.