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Applications Engineering Intern

KLA · Milpitas, CAtoday

BS-level Applications Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $116k (38 that show pay). This posting does not list pay.

Support development and release of Film/OCD semiconductor metrology products and customer applications.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Hands-on with industry-leading film thickness and scatterometry metrology used across advanced semiconductor fabs.

Might not be for you. Metrology-focused and customer-facing; not a polymer synthesis or formulation role.

Hands-on execution Internship-friendlyBS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleFamiliarity with thin film/OCD characterization techniques; measuring film thickness, critical dimensions, composition

H-1B filings

KLA filed 150 H-1B labor applications for scientist and engineer roles from Jan to Dec 2025.

Most common titles: Product Development Applications Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer. Median filed pay: $145K a year.

From U.S. Department of Labor disclosure data. A filing is a record of past hiring, not a promise about this role, so confirm sponsorship with the employer. Titles and filed pay ·Every employer's filings

Seniority
Intern/Co-op
Work
On-site
Type
Internship
Degree
BS
Industry
Semiconductor
Role
Applications Engineering
Benefits
equity/stocktuition reimbursement

Role details

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 Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) division delivers industry-leading metrology solutions essential to advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Its portfolio includes systems for measuring film thickness, critical dimensions, composition, and resistivity—key to developing and scaling next-gen IC processes.

FaST partners closely with customers from early R&D through high-volume production, ensuring performance and process alignment.

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. We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to join our team in the development, release, and support of KLA’s Film/OCD Metrology products. This role is critical to advancing our technology and solving complex customer challenges through deep technical understanding and innovative problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the development and release of advanced Film/OCD Metrology products. Develop a deep understanding of customer applications and use cases. Translate customer challenges into actionable problem statements. Design and execute data collection plans to support product development and troubleshooting. Analyze data and recommend corrective actions or design improvements. Communicate effectively through oral presentations, written reports, meeting minutes, and project summaries. Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, applications, and customer support teams.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in semiconductor metrology or related technologies. Familiarity with thin film/OCD characterization techniques. Prior experience working with customers or in a customer-facing role.

Minimum Qualifications

Working towards a college degree 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: $0.00 - $0.00 
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 [email protected] 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.

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Common questions

Does KLA sponsor H-1B visas?

KLA has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Applications Engineering Intern role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Applications Engineering Intern role at KLA based?

This role is based in Milpitas, CA.

What degree is required for the Applications Engineering Intern role at KLA?

This role requires a BS.

What polymers or materials does this Applications Engineering Intern role work with?

thin films.

What techniques or methods are required for this Applications Engineering Intern role?

OCD metrology, thin film characterization, scatterometry.