Customer Engagement Applications Engineer

$73,600 - $125,100/Yr

1000 KLA Corporation - Richardson, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Richardson, TX

About the position

KLA is seeking a highly motivated Applications Engineer to join our Field Applications Engineer team based in Richardson, TX. This role is pivotal in providing technical expertise through sales presentations, product demonstrations, and the installation and maintenance of our cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing products. The Applications Engineer will work closely with our sales staff to assess potential applications of our products to meet customer needs, preparing detailed product specifications for the development and implementation of customer applications and solutions. This position is not just about technical skills; it also involves building strong relationships with clients and understanding their unique challenges in the semiconductor manufacturing process. The selected candidate will focus on two main areas: customer support and product development. In customer support, the engineer will lead product penetration and adoption support, conduct customer demonstrations, and engage in head-to-head activities at customer facilities. This includes investigating semiconductor manufacturing yield issues and providing inspection solutions, creating and sharing product value statements, and training customers and other applications engineers. The role also involves new product introductions, characterization, beta testing, and early evaluation tools, providing ample opportunities to collaborate with various teams within KLA and with customer engineers. In terms of product development, the Applications Engineer will generate best known method documents and training materials, transferring this knowledge to KLA's worldwide Applications team and customers. The engineer will work with customers to develop solutions to complex problems and may publish papers at industry symposiums or in technical journals. This includes characterizing next-generation semiconductor wafer inspection products, crafting test plans, collecting data, performing analysis, and publishing results and recommendations. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, demonstrating a balance of technical and interpersonal skills, and will be willing to travel more than 30% within the US.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise through sales presentations and product demonstrations.
• Assist sales staff in assessing potential applications of company products to meet customer needs.
• Prepare detailed product specifications for customer applications and solutions.
• Lead product penetration and adoption support at customer facilities.
• Investigate semiconductor manufacturing yield issues and provide inspection solutions.
• Create and share product value statements and use-cases with engineering, marketing, and sales groups.
• Train customers and other applications engineers on product usage and best practices.
• Generate best known method documents and training materials for the worldwide Applications team.
• Work with customers to develop solutions to problems and publish papers at industry symposiums or in technical journals.
• Characterize next-generation semiconductor wafer inspection products, including crafting test plans and collecting data.

Requirements

• Master's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; or Bachelor's Level Degree and 2 years related work experience.
• Educational background in Engineering or Physics is desired.
• Strong troubleshooting skills combined with a methodical approach and clear communication.
• Well-organized with strong follow-up abilities and demonstrated ability to work in a multifaceted environment.
• Training in semiconductor or related fields is required.
• Background in IC processing/Semiconductor equipment is a plus.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with product development and customer engagement strategies.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life insurance and other voluntary benefits.
• 401(K) plan with company matching.
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP).
• Student debt assistance and tuition reimbursement program.
• Development and career growth opportunities.
• Financial planning benefits and wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Paid time off and paid company holidays.
• Family care and bonding leave.