
Research Scientist Computational Physics
Ann Arbor, MIJob$106–180K/yrSeen 3w agoSeen in employer's feed 3 days ago
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Job overview
KLA’s Ann Arbor physics modeling group seeks a research scientist to support next-generation inspection and metrology hardware. The role collaborates with R&D and Engineering teams to define modeling requirements and applies computational physics to engineering problems. Candidates should have a background in computational physics, such as plasma modeling, computational fluid dynamics, or mechanical vibrations modeling; rarefied gas flow modeling experience is a plus.
Skills & qualifications
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Qualifications
Full job description
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/DivisionThe 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. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build-and how we build it. 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. KLA Ann Arbor physics modeling group is seeking a motivated research scientists to join the team! Looking for candidates with a strong background in computational physics areas such as plasma modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and mechanical vibrations modeling. This role will involve collaborating closely with our R&D and Engineering teams to understand their design needs and define modeling requirements. Experience with rarefied gas flow modeling is a plus. Are you ready to take on exciting challenges and help design next generation hardware products? Apply now as the future is yours to build! Responsibilities in this role include: Using CFD and Thermal modeling to guide next-gen inspection and metrology tool development Using simulations based on multiple physical models and building correlations with experimental data Preparation of detailed modeling plans, schedules and summary reports, communication with collaborators and team members to maintain alignment Coordination and performing root cause analysis to solve problems Qualifications: Degree's or equivalent experience in Applied Physics/Engineering Hands-on experience using modeling to solve sophisticated engineering problems. Responsible working demeanor and should be a great teammate. Ability to work with multi-functional internal teams, both oral and written, division management, as well as external customers. Excellent written and verbal communication, and ability to break down problems for planning and external customers. Excellent written and verbal communication, and ability to break down problems for planning and execution. Minimum QualificationsMaster's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 2 years About KLA We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us. Total RewardsBase Pay Range: $105,900.00 - $180,000.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLA KLA's total rewards package for employees may also
How this job compares
Set against the 2,206 open Research Scientist jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 11, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$106–180K/yr
- US median$137–217K/yr1,509 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $143K, is 23% below the US median midpoint ($185K) — in the middle half of Research Scientist salary ranges across the US.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 39 open Research Scientist jobs in Michigan and 2,206 across the US. 3% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in Michigan
- KLATencor Corporation (this employer)6 open
- Michigan State University(MSU)6 open
- KLA Corporation4 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for no prior experience — less than three in four Research Scientist postings that state a minimum ask for (median 4 years, across 1,192 postings).
- Education
- 1,090 of the 2,206 open Research Scientist jobs (49%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 11, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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