Senior Systems Software Engineer (C++)

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.

We are seeking a seasoned Backend Software Engineer with deep expertise in modern C++ and developing infrastructure to lead the development of high-performance, scalable backend infrastructure. This role is ideal for experienced engineers who have a strong track record of solving complex architectural challenges, mentoring teams, and driving technical excellence in mission-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and evolve backend infrastructure for Big data Analytics, Distribution Storage and storage using modern C++ (C++11/14/17/20)/C# or Java with a focus on scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Lead the development of server-side components for real-time data processing, system integration, and API services.
• Collaborate with product, infrastructure, and engineering teams to define system architecture and long-term technical strategy.
• Drive performance optimization and memory efficiency for high-throughput applications.
• Apply advanced multithreaded and concurrent programming techniques to support parallel processing and low-latency operations.
• Architect and deliver microservices-based platforms that operate across Linux and Windows environments.
• Oversee integration with databases, messaging systems, and external APIs.
• Champion best practices in code quality, testing, and maintainability across the engineering organization.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience in C++ development, with a strong foundation in object-oriented design, system-level programming, and software architecture.
• Proven success in building and scaling backend systems in domains such as:
• Real-time data processing engines
• Networked services or socket-based communication
• Microservices or distributed systems
• Deep familiarity with Windows an Linux/Unix environments and command-line tooling.
• Deep familiarity with memory management/memory optimization.
• Expertise in performance profiling, debugging, and system optimization.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines in production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and lead technical initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $129,600.00 - $190,067.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-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.