FPGA Firmware Design Manager

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking an experienced FPGA Firmware Design Manager to lead a team of FPGA and firmware engineers responsible for developing high-performance digital solutions for advanced semiconductor inspection and metrology systems. This role combines technical leadership, people management, and multi-functional collaboration to drive FPGA firmware architecture, implementation, verification, release, and support throughout the product lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in FPGA development, digital system architecture, and engineering leadership, with demonstrated experience of delivering complex products in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership

• Lead the architecture, design, implementation, verification, and maintenance of FPGA firmware for advanced inspection and metrology systems.

• Drive FPGA design reviews and establish standards for coding, simulation, verification, documentation, and release processes.

• Provide technical guidance on: High-speed digital interfaces; Data acquisition systems; Image processing pipelines; Motion control systems; Real-time embedded systems; FPGA-based signal processing

• Ensure designs are scalable, maintainable, and reusable across multiple product platforms.

• Participate in system architecture definition and technology roadmap planning.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of FPGA firmware engineers.

• Set project priorities and allocate resources across multiple programs.

• Manage employee performance, provide coaching, and support career development.

• Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

• Recruit, interview, and onboard high-performing engineering talent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of FPGA firmware development experience.

• Strong expertise with FPGA development tools and methodologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field or equivalent combination of any relevant education and experience

• 8+ years of relevant experience with proven ability to lead including 4+ years of management experience

Base Pay Range: $153,300.00 - $260,600.00 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.

               

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 [email protected] or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees.  KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings.  KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.  If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [email protected] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.