Sr FPGA Design Engineer

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 RAPID division leads the industry in reticle inspection solutions, helping ensure high lithography yields and cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems support both mask shops and fabs by detecting defects early in the process, enabling faster, more reliable production.

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 looking for an exceptional engineer to join our Electrical Engineering organization. Our products combine innovative low-noise analog designs with sophisticated digital signal processing and high-performance electronics to deliver industry-leading semiconductor solutions. As part of our team, you will help develop the technologies that power the future of semiconductor manufacturing!

Main Responsibilities

• Define FPGA firmware requirements and specifications, and develop designs from concept through production release.
• Design, implement, and debug FPGA firmware for embedded sensing and communication systems, including cameras, sensors, motors, and other peripherals.
• Design testbenches for simulation, perform timing analysis and closure, and verify FPGA functionality.
• Collaborate with hardware and embedded software engineers to develop FPGA firmware for high-performance mixed-signal systems.
• Understand and gather project specifications and performance requirements at the board and system levels. Adhere to project schedules and deliverables.
• Create and maintain technical documentation that meets established quality standards.

Additional information

These responsibilities require close collaboration with Mechanical Engineering (ME), Optical Engineering (OE), Software Engineering (SW), Systems Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and testing at both the subsystem and system levels.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with complex FPGA firmware designs.
• Experience with Xilinx FPGAs (preferred) or Intel/Altera FPGAs.
• Proficiency with FPGA simulation tools such as Vivado, ModelSim, or equivalent.
• Proficiency with FPGA design tools such as Vivado or equivalent.
• Proficiency in hardware description languages such as Verilog or System Verilog.
• Strong understanding of FPGA timing analysis and the ability to resolve timing-related issues.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment such as logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Solid knowledge of interface protocols, including PCIe, Aurora, DDR4, 10GbE, SPI, and I²C.
• Solid knowledge of networking concepts and Embedded Linux build systems.
• Self-motivated and independent, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented engineering environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 5 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 12 years

Base Pay Range

$167,300.00 - $245,367.00 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.