Sr. Technical Program Manager (Software-Hardware Systems)

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. First to deliver the best imaging and classification data for every defect or point on any layer at any time. EBeam’s mission encapsulates its role as the “eyes” of KLA’s product line, providing timely information on defects and critical locations on the wafer at the highest spatial resolution possible. Customers use EBeam products alongside KLA patterned and bare wafer inspectors to quickly understand the nature of defects and other imperfections on product wafers and take action to correct the manufacturing process.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Technical Program Manager – Software Inspection Systems

Help shape the future of semiconductor inspection on precision hardware systems, one electron at a time. We’re looking for a technically fluent, execution-focused Technical Program Manager to lead the development and delivery of complex software programs that power our next-generation EBeam inspection tools. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of software, hardware, and physics.

 

What You’ll Do

• Lead medium-to-large scale software programs that span multiple quarters and cross-functional teams.
• Own the full lifecycle of software delivery—from planning and prioritization to execution and release.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and electron optics engineers to ensure seamless low-level software/hardware integration.
• Translate evolving customer needs into actionable software deliverables, adapting plans with agility and precision.
• Drive system-level thinking and propose solutions that span embedded software, hardware, and physics.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering, applications, and marketing teams.

 

What You Bring

• A degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in software or embedded systems development, with 3+ years in technical project or program management.
• Proven success managing complex, multi-quarter software projects in companies that build physical products (e.g., semiconductor tools, medical devices, robotics).
• Strong planning and execution skills—able to prioritize, sequence, and deliver in dynamic, customer-driven environments.
• Attention to detail and a systems mindset; you think beyond software to solve full-stack engineering challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; comfortable working with physicists, hardware engineers, and customer-facing teams.
• Experience with Agile, Scrum, or hybrid development methodologies.
• Bonus: You’ve grown from a software developer into a project or program manager and bring that technical empathy to your leadership style.

 

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on one-of-a-kind systems where software directly controls ultra-precision hardware
• Solve problems at the intersection of software, physics, and advanced engineering
• Lead programs that truly matter—enabling the future of semiconductor manufacturing
• Join a team that values deep technical thinking, ownership, and cross-domain collaboration

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

Base Pay Range: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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.