Senior R&D Chemist

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.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned R&D professional to lead analytical method development and validation efforts in support of advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. This senior-level role will oversee the Taiwan R&D laboratory, ensuring alignment with global R&D strategies and delivering high-impact solutions for customer applications. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in analytical chemistry, a strong track record of innovation, and the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration across engineering, applications, and customer support teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of complex chemical experiments involving electrochemical analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography (HPLC, IC), and other advanced techniques.

• Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods for process solutions used in metal deposition and other semiconductor manufacturing workflows.

• Translate HQ-developed methods into robust local protocols, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with industry standards.

• Collaborate with engineering and applications teams to support the design and deployment of commercial analyzers and demo systems.

• Provide technical leadership in equipment testing, documentation, and troubleshooting, ensuring readiness for customer engagement.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for customer sample testing and local R&D support, driving engagement and solution delivery.

• Co-work with field application and service team on chemical analyzer onsite trouble shooting.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience.

• Expert-level knowledge in analytical chemistry, including method development, validation, and instrumentation.

• Proven experience in leading complex R&D projects, cowork with cross-functional teams, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem-solving and experimental design skills, with a track record of innovation and precision.

• Excellent project management and organizational abilities, with experience coordinating multi-site or global initiatives.

• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present technical findings clearly.

Technical Expertise – Required

• Advanced proficiency in general and analytical chemistry.

• Hands-on experience with pH measurement, titration, and solution preparation.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead method validation efforts.

Technical Expertise – Preferred

• Deep understanding of semiconductor wet process chemistry.

• Experience with chemometric modeling (PLS, PCA) and quantitative analysis.

• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques: NIR, UV-VIS, ICP, Raman.

• Proficiency in chromatographic methods: HPLC, IC.

• Competence in data analytics and scientific programming (MATLAB, Python).

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

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