
Research Scientist Plasma Light Source Developmen
Ann Arbor, MIJobSeen 3w agoSeen in employer's feed 3 days ago
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Job overview
KLA is seeking a Research Scientist in its Central Engineering Group in Ann Arbor to experimentally develop next-generation laser-sustained plasma light sources in the sub-UV wavelength region. The role supports new light-source concepts and the technical foundation of future wafer inspection tools, combining optical and laser experimentation, spectral analysis, subsystem validation, and collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers.
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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 is looking for a Research Scientist in our Central Engineering Group in Ann Arbor! The Scientist will work on experimental development of next generation laser sustained plasma light sources in sub-UV wavelength region for new light source concepts. The candidate will work in a team that develops the technical foundation of KLA's next generation wafer inspection tools! Lead design and setup photometric tooling including spectrometers, imagers, and photometers Process and analyze spectral data from plasma light sources Design, build, test, and operation of complex laser, optical, vacuum, high pressure test setups. Data collection and processing using tools like Python, LabVIEW, Matlab and similar. Design experiments to retire risks and validate critical subsystems. Evaluate feasibility of new concepts design solutions. Develop specifications of future tools. Find and engage new suppliers and help coordinate technology development with external partners. Collaborate with internal customers and key collaborators in technical projects and present results to a wider audience. Hands-on problem solving and maintenance of engineering prototype systems.Qualifications/Desired Skills: Experience in plasma spectroscopy and spectral analysis of plasma light sources Experience in designing and constructing optical metrology setups for photometry and spectroscopy Expertise in operation of high-power lasers and knowledge of laser-safety protocols, experience with laser alignment and diagnostics Hands-on experience in optics and mechatronics, including opto-mechanical systems applications, expertise in design of optical systems Critical thinking and problem-solving Knowledge of data acquisition and control approaches Proficiency in data analysis and root-cause analysis Experience in optical system modeling and performance analysis using one or more optics modeling packages (e.g. Zemax, Code V, etc.) Solid understanding of a design, tolerancing and testing of optical systems and modules Ability to travel internationally for training and supplier engagements Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years About KLA
How this job compares
Set against the 2,206 open Research Scientist jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 11, 2026.
- Pay
- This postingNot listed
- US median$137–217K/yr1,509 salary ranges
- US median$34–45/hr44 hourly ranges
- 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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