Customer Engagement Applications Engineer

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking a customer-focused, technically adept, and relationship-driven Customer Engagement Application Engineer to join our global team supporting KLA’s industry-leading wafer inspection and metrology solutions. In this front-line, customer-facing role, you will be the trusted technical advisor and strategic partner to our customers, driving product adoption, solving complex challenges, and building long-term relationships that fuel success. You will collaborate across functions to deliver high-impact solutions in the dynamic world of semiconductor manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical interface between KLA and customer, building trust and credibility through consistent, high-quality support.
• Deliver applications support for KLA’s wafer inspection and metrology tools at customer fabrication facilities.
• Lead customer engagements including product evaluations, new tool introductions, and drive competitions.
• Drive customer success by conducting acceptance tests, recipe development, hands-on training, and pre-sales technical enablement.
• Cultivate strong customer relationships by understanding their technical needs, aligning solutions, and ensuring satisfaction through onsite support .
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to co-author technical papers and present at global industry symposiums.
• Develop and share Best Known Methods (BKMs), SOP ( Standard Operating Procedures ) materials, and technical documentation to empower global Field Applications teams.
• Act as a cross-functional bridge, aligning customer feedback with engineering, sales, and marketing to drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze complex technical issues, apply statistical methods, and deliver innovative, data-driven solutions.
• Report regional insights and escalate field issues to product divisions, ensuring timely resolution and product evolution.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Material Science, or a related field; semiconductor process knowledge is a strong plus.
• Proven experience in customer-facing technical roles, with a strong track record of building and maintaining customer relationships.
• Demonstrated success in technical problem-solving, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Willingness to work in semiconductor cleanroom environments.
• Strong project management, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Fluent in English, with the ability to communicate clearly via email, video calls, and in-person meetings.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, global environment.

Key Competencies:

• Strong customer orientation with a passion for delivering value and building trust.
• Advanced analytical and statistical thinking for data-driven decision-making.
• Effective collaboration and communication across diverse teams and cultures.
• High level of initiative, ownership, and accountability in driving results.
• Resilience and adaptability in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
• A proactive team player with a growth mindset and a drive for excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

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