Senior Algorithm Engineer - Wafer Inspection & Metrology

About the role

KLA, a global leader in electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, is looking for a Senior Algorithm Engineer in its Surfscan group in Hsinchu. The role develops image processing, signal processing and AI algorithms that enable breakthrough capabilities in wafer inspection, defect detection, classification and metrology. It spans the full algorithm lifecycle, from concept to production deployment and customer adoption.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and optimize algorithms for semiconductor inspection and metrology systems.
• Drive the complete algorithm lifecycle: modeling and simulation, proof-of-concept development, software architecture and implementation, performance characterization and validation, documentation and product release support.
• Collaborate with software, systems, applications, product engineering and hardware teams to prototype, test and deploy new capabilities.
• Investigate and resolve complex algorithm, system and production issues in customer manufacturing environments.
• Work with application engineers and customer-facing teams to troubleshoot field issues, including onsite support at TSMC when required.
• Analyze large-scale production data to improve algorithm robustness, productivity and defect detection performance.
• Contribute to future technology roadmaps and drive innovation in AI-enabled inspection and metrology solutions.

Required profile

• Strong foundation in one or more of: image processing and segmentation, texture analysis and feature extraction, statistical data analysis, signal processing and filter design, pattern recognition and classification, machine learning and deep learning, computer vision and AI-based inspection systems.
• Minimum qualification: doctorate with 0 years of related experience, master's degree with 3 years, or bachelor's degree with 5 years of related experience.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently in a fast-paced environment, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate with globally distributed, multidisciplinary teams and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work directly with customers and support engineering activities in semiconductor fabs.

Required skills

• C++ (required)
• MATLAB and/or Python (required)
• Highly desired: CPU optimization (SIMD, SSE, AVX), GPU programming (CUDA), high-performance computing and algorithm acceleration