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 Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non-uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Summary

KLA seeks a technology leader to lead strategic marketing for the Surfscan portfolio, collaborating closely with R&D and customers. This new role combines strategic marketing with advanced technology development, focusing on guiding long-term R&D, technology roadmaps, and future product architectures. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of semiconductor process control and position the successful candidate for potential advancement into a Business Unit Manager role.

The Surfscan group encompasses a diverse and innovative set of technologies, including:

Unpatterned Wafer Inspection: Industry-leading platforms such as the SPx series for surface defect detection and quality assurance.
Shape Metrology: Advanced solutions for measuring wafer shape across both patterned and unpatterned substrates.
Chemical Metrology: Precision tools for monitoring and controlling electroplating, etch, and clean chemistries.
Specialty Instruments: Inspection and metrology systems tailored for niche substrates and benchtop applications in industrial and academic settings.

The group is powered by a multidisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, engineers, data scientists, and business professionals, all working together to deliver breakthrough solutions to the semiconductor ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Strategic Marketing will serve as a critical thought leader and business driver, responsible for:

Defining and executing roadmaps across Surfscan portfolio
Identifying, assessing, and championing advanced technologies (optical, sensor, computational, algorithmic, materials, and subsystem innovations) for integration into future products to address inflections.
Working with internal research organizations, external partners, and university collaborators to shape the next decade of product lines
Driving market adoption of next-generation solutions through deep customer engagement and ecosystem insight.
Translating complex technical capabilities into compelling value propositions for global customers.
Partnering with product development, applications, sales, and executive leadership to align strategy with execution.
Leading cross-functional initiatives that shape product positioning, pricing, go-to-market strategy, and long-term portfolio planning.
Acting as a player-coach—mentoring a high-performing team while remaining hands-on in strategic initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring:

Proven Leadership: A track record of deep technical experience in semiconductor equipment design and development; Extensive understanding of semiconductor process technologies and how inflections impact equipment designs.

Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated ability to launch and scale innovative products in inspection, shape, or chemical metrology.
Industry Expertise: Deep familiarity with the semiconductor manufacturing landscape and a strong network across the ecosystem.
Technical Credibility: Ability to engage with engineering and scientific leaders, and synthesize complex technologies into business impact.
Executive Presence: Strong communication, influence, and decision-making skills, with the ability to represent Surfscan at the highest levels.

This role is ideal for a strategic leader who thrives at the intersection of technology, business, and customer impact—and who aspires to broader general product portfolio management responsibilities in the future.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience OR
Master's Level Degree and a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience OR
Bachelor's Level Degree and a minimum of 15 years of experience

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.

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 talent.acquisition@kla.com 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 talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.