Optical Thin Film Engineer/Scientist (f/m/d)

• Design, develop, and advance high‑performance optical thin‑film coatings for DUV, UV, VIS, and NIR applications used in next‑generation semiconductor inspection systems.
• Act as a technical thought leader and trusted expert within KLA’s global ecosystem of optical coating partners, driving deep, forward‑looking technical discussions from concept through scalable implementation.
• Translate emerging scientific ideas and novel coating concepts into robust, manufacturable solutions with measurable impact on product performance.
• Proactively explore breakthrough materials, processes, and coating technologies, assessing feasibility, supplier capabilities, and long‑term technology risks.
• Lead technical problem‑solving efforts related to optical performance, film stress, adhesion, uniformity, laser durability, and environmental stability.
• Define and execute experimental strategies, including optical and material characterization, to validate designs and guide data‑driven decisions.
• Collaborate closely with optical design, system engineering, and product teams across KLA’s global divisions to align research outcomes with product roadmaps.
• Contribute to the long‑term optical technology strategy within the CTO Optics Development Group, helping to shape the optical foundations of future KLA platforms.
• Mentor and support knowledge growth within the optical development community, strengthening KLA’s internal expertise and innovation culture.

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Materials Science, Optics, Physics, or a related field, combined with at least five years of relevant industry experience.
• Proven expertise in the design and development of optical thin‑film coatings across DUV, UV, VIS, and NIR wavelength ranges, including materials, processes, and substrates.
• Strong proficiency with thin‑film design and simulation tools such as Macleod, TFCalc, FilmStar, OptiLayer, or comparable software.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with optical and materials characterization techniques and with a variety of thin‑film coating systems and deposition technologies.
• Solid background in experimental design, data interpretation, and statistical analysis to support evidence‑based technical decisions.
• In‑depth knowledge of thin‑film metrology and analysis methods, including spectroscopy, ellipsometry, SEM/TEM, AFM, EDS, XRD, and defect analysis.
• Familiarity with laser systems, laser damage thresholds, and degradation mechanisms in DUV environments.
• Practical understanding of optics cleaning, surface preparation, and contamination control.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex coating challenges related to stress, adhesion, uniformity, and performance stability.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional and international teams.
• High level of commitment to continuous learning and to advancing optical expertise within a highly skilled development group.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

We offer

• Flexible Arbeitszeiten
• Vielseitige Aufgaben in einem internationalen Arbeitsumfeld
• Arbeitszeit-Erfassung mit Flextime-Konto
• Attraktive Sozialleistungen (inkl. betriebliche Altersvorsorge, jährliche Sonderzahlung, Urlaubsgeld, Anerkennungsprämien)
• 30 Tage Erholungsurlaub
• Aktienspar-Programm
• Job Bike / E-Bike-Leasing
• Internationales Arbeitsumfeld mit familiärer Unternehmenskultur am Standort
• Umfangreiche Schulungen für Ihre berufliche und persönliche Weiterentwicklung
• Einen kostenfreien Mitarbeiterparkplatz
• Mitarbeiter-Restaurant mit verschiedenen Gerichten zur Wahl zu subventionierten Preisen
• Kostenfreie Getränke (Kaffee, Kaffeespezialitäten, Wasser) und frisches Obst
• „Mitarbeiter-werben-Mitarbeiter“ – Prämien
• Firmen-Events für die Mitarbeiter und ihre Familien