Sr. FPGA Design Engineer — San Francisco

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. Lead and evolve global electrical engineering standards, specifications, and design guidelines across a diverse facilities portfolio. Review electrical designs for capital projects, infrastructure upgrades, and critical facility improvements to support consistency, quality, and compliance.  Guide technical strategy for power distribution, UPS, generators, transfer systems, and other critical power infrastructure. Partner with cross-functional teams to improve resiliency, operational readiness, and long-term facility performance. Support renewable energy and electrification initiatives, including solar, battery storage, EV charging, and utility coordination where relevant. Translate technical requirements into clear standards, design guidance, and executive-ready summaries. Preferred Qualifications KLA is seeking an experienced and motivated Sr. FPGA Engineer to join our electrical engineering team! Our designs employ innovative combination of low noise analog to highly complex digital signal circuits, which are enabling our leading technology in the advancing semiconductor industry. The Sr. FPGA Engineer will be architecting and implementing FPGA/digital designs for innovative E-beam inspection system. Responsibilities : • Designing the test benches for simulation, timing analysis/closure, FPGA functionality verification • Designing, implementing, and debugging of FPGAs and firmware for advanced E-Beam system • Collaborate with the hardware and embedded software engineer to design FPGA Firmware for high-performance mixed-signal designs • Define FPGA Firmware requirement specifications and develop design projects from concept design to production release • Understand and gather the project specifications and performance requirements on board and system level; adhere to project timelines and deliverables • Write technical documentation that meets the defined quality standards as required • Work with other engineering groups such as ME, OE, SW, systems and manufacturing engineers to ensure seamless integration and test at the subsystem and system level Qualifications: • Experience with complex FPGA firmware designs • Experience with Xilinx (preferred) or Intel/Altera FPGAs • Proficiency in FPGA simulation tools such as VCS, Modelsim or equivalent • Proficiency in FPGA design tools such as Vivado or equivalent • Proficiency in Hardware description language such as Verilog or System Verilog • Understand FPGA timing analysis and be enable to solve timing related issues • Hands on experience with lab equipment such as logic analyzer, oscilloscope • Solid knowledge of various protocols to interface different peripherals: PCIe, Aurora, DDR4, 10G, SPI, I2C, etc. • Knowledge of networking and embedded Linux build systems • Self-motivated, independent, and effective communicator with the ability to collaborate with experienced engineering teams 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; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 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 Rewards Base Pay Range: $141,300.00 - $207,233.00 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. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. 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. Equal Opportunity Statement KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at  talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation. For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.