Associate Test Engineer - Analytical Instrumentation

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

KLA has manufacturing sites worldwide. The Global Operations (GOPS) team, comprised of Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Installation and Quality, builds our leading-edge technology. GOPS partners with KLA's global supply base and design engineering teams to develop new products, working continuously to build better, faster and more cost-efficient solutions.

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.

Every advanced semiconductor tool that leaves KLA must meet strict cleanliness standards. In this role you will be the person who proves it — running analytical instruments in our Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) laboratory to measure contamination at sub parts-per-billion levels on production components.

 This position is likely to be filled as a day shift role, but flexibility for swing shift (1:00 PM – 10:00 PM) may be required.

Core Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair GCMS instruments to keep the lab running at peak performance.
• Independently prepare samples, execute analytical testing, interpret results, and deliver accurate reports in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Separate, identify, and quantify trace-level impurities and target compounds.
• Set up and conduct materials outgassing experiments — develop procedures, collect data, analyze results, and maintain thorough documentation.
• Partner with MDE chemists and build strong working relationships with internal manufacturing customers.
• Manage laboratory inventories (reagents, gas cylinders, consumables) and coordinate sampling-kit shipments to customer sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience with analytical instruments — operation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with laboratory hardware, experimental setups, and test systems.
• Ability to read technical drawings, schematics, and specifications and apply mathematics and precision measurement techniques to solve practical problems.

Nice to Have — Software & Data Skills

Our team is building a digital platform that automates sample management, reporting, and analytics across the GCMS lab. You won't need these skills on day one, but if you bring any of them you'll have real opportunities to shape how this lab runs:

• Python — data processing, automation scripting, or scientific computing.
• SQL — writing queries, working with relational databases.
• Data analysis & visualization — pandas, NumPy, matplotlib, or similar tools.
• Web & integration basics — REST APIs, HTTP services, connecting lab systems to enterprise platforms.
• Cloud platforms — Microsoft Azure, Azure Functions, or willingness to learn.
• Machine learning curiosity — interest in applying ML to analytical workflows (e.g., automated reporting, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection).

Minimum Qualifications

• AA degree (or equivalent vocational training) with at least 3 years of relevant hands-on experience.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment and follow contamination-control protocols.

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: $28.85 - $49.04 Per Hour
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.