PLC Controls Engineer

Company Overview

Group/Division

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

We need an Electrical Engineer who is motivated by solving complex, cross-disciplinary challenges! Join KLA’s hands-on engineering team, where innovation meets execution. We’re looking for a highly skilled engineer to help design and development next generation PLC safety and control systems for our groundbreaking tools.

What We Need You to Do

• Apply your skills in PLC Controls for design, development, optimization, and implementation of advanced PLC control systems for safety and automation on next-generation inspection platforms.
• Participate in development from requirements gathering through delivery and support for complex mechanical and electrical automation needs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate in the development and maintenance of electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Develop, optimize, and deploy PLC control systems using safety automation software.
• Conduct formal and informal code and design reviews and ensuring alignment with architectural and design principles.
• Analyze and improve software architecture for performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Define test strategies, develop test criteria, and validate systems for efficiency, safety, and robustness.
• Perform advanced problem solving and root cause analysis, implementing long-term corrective actions.
• Collaborate across multi-functional teams with physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and external vendors to deliver high-quality automation and safety solutions.
• Provide technical support during global customer site installations, including hands-on commissioning and support.
• Work in clean-room environments as needed (10%-20%).
• Travel up to 20% with the ability to be flexible for domestic and international travel based on business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' relevant experience
• Experience in PLC programming and automation systems to design and implement complex safety systems, including replacement of End-of-Life devices.
• Strong proficiency in Siemens TIA Portal or similar safety software for automation.
• Strong understanding of IEC 61131-3 programming standards, ISO 13849-1 safety standards, and real-time control systems.
• Experience developing medium/large scale PLC systems with relevant communication protocols (Profinet, Profisafe, DeviceNet).
• Excellent analytical, diagnosing, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Highly self-motivated, with a demonstrated ability to deliver production-quality solutions for critical applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in software for advanced PLC platforms.
• Experience leading multi-developer teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Experience with vacuum control and fluid control.
• Familiarity with SEMI standards and Cap-Ex equipment in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Familiarity with PID or more advanced control-loop tuning via PLC
• Hands-on experience with Python scripting for automation and data handling.
• Experience integrating SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition) with PLCs.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 2 years

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.