Software Engineering Intern – AI/ML for Diagnostics & Calibration

To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale—faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.

Group/Division

The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA’s product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. The RAPID division leads the industry in reticle inspection solutions, helping ensure high lithography yields and cost-effective semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems support both mask shops and fabs by detecting defects early in the process, enabling faster, more reliable production.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

Responsibilities 

• Develop Python-based software and AI/ML prototypes that combine analytical models with image-based diagnostics. 

• Prepare representative image and signal datasets and assess selected metrics: resolution, noise, spectral content, sampling and aliasing, uniformity and contrast, and optical or system aberrations. 

• Evaluate prototypes quantitatively against analytical baselines and expert assessments; document accuracy, uncertainty, and failure cases. 

• Identify performance-limiting parameters and likely contributors to degradation, and recommend calibration actions for human review. 

• Build reproducible code, tests, and technical documentation; collaborate with engineers using approved data and AI tools while protecting proprietary information. 

• Explore AI-assisted troubleshooting, engineering analysis, or workflow automation with your mentor to support the core diagnostics work. 

Preferred qualifications 

• Exposure to image or signal processing, optics, imaging systems, or calibration methods. 

• Experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn, and familiarity with software testing, version control, or reproducible experimentation. 

• Familiarity with LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation, AI coding assistants, or workflow automation is helpful but not required. 

Minimum Qualifications

Required qualifications 

• Currently enrolled in a BS, MS, or PhD program in computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or a related discipline. 

• Proficiency in Python and scientific computing, with foundational knowledge of machine learning. 

• Experience analyzing data through coursework, research, or projects; strong problem-solving skills and clear written and verbal communication. 

About KLA

We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.

Total Rewards

Base Pay Range: $37.00 - $58.00 per hour based on pursuit of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. 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.

Use of AI Statement 

At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews—whether virtual or in person—is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer. Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy. KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 [email protected] or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.