Senior Lead, Data Engineer (AI/ML)

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.

The Information Technology (IT) group at KLA is involved in every aspect of the global business. IT’s mission is to enable business growth and productivity by connecting people, process, and technology. It focuses not only on enhancing the technology that enables our business to thrive but also on how employees use and are empowered by technology. This integrated approach to customer service, creativity and technological excellence enables employee productivity, business analytics, and process excellence.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Our Enterprise Analytics & Data Science team is at the forefront of transforming data into actionable insights that drive strategic decisions across the organization. You will be working on Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines. You’ll help design, build, and evaluate AI systems that solve complex real-world problems at scale.  We are a collaborative, cross-functional group of engineers, data scientists, analysts, and architects who value:

• Innovation: We embrace new technologies and encourage experimentation to solve complex business problems.
• Ownership: Every team member is empowered to take initiative and drive projects from concept to production.
• Transparency: We foster open communication, regular knowledge sharing, and inclusive decision-making.
• Continuous Learning: We support professional development through certifications, tech talks, and hands-on learning.
• Impact: Our work directly influences enterprise-wide initiatives, from customer experience to operational efficiency.

You’ll be joining a team that believes in building with purpose, where engineering excellence meets data-driven strategy.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Software Development: Design, develop, and maintain applications using modern programming languages such as Python, C#, and JavaScript.
• API & Microservices: Implement RESTful APIs and microservices to deliver scalable solutions.
• Cloud Solutions: Architect, build, and deploy secure, high-performing applications on the Azure platform.
• Data Engineering: Develop and optimize data pipelines leveraging Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, and related services.
• Database Management: Work with SQL/NoSQL databases and data lakes to enable efficient data processing.
• Collaboration: Partner with product managers, architects, and cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• System Architecture: Contribute to architectural decisions ensuring scalability, fault tolerance, and security.
• Distributed Systems: Apply best practices in event-driven and distributed system design.
• Machine Learning: Build and deploy ML models using Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and OpenAI APIs.
• MLOps: Implement workflows for model monitoring, retraining, and lifecycle management.
• CI/CD: Set up and maintain pipelines using Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously improve application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Cloud Governance: Ensure adherence to best practices in security, monitoring, and cost optimization.
• Mentorship: Guide junior engineers through code reviews and architectural discussions.

Required Qualifications:

Experience:

• 6+ years of professional software development experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure services, including:
• Data & Storage: Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, Azure Storage
• Compute & App Hosting: Azure App Services, Azure Functions, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
• Security & Monitoring: Azure Key Vault, Azure Monitor, Application Insights

Technical Skills:

• Strong backend development expertise in Python, Node.js, or Go.
• Proficiency in Python (with AI/ML focus), C#, and JavaScript.
• Solid understanding of RESTful API development, authentication mechanisms, and microservices architecture.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred; AWS or GCP a plus).
• Hands-on knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using ARM templates, Bicep, or Terraform.
• Skilled in working with SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes).

Additional Competencies:

• Strong problem-solving abilities and capability to work independently in remote or hybrid environments.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, collaborative settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure Developer Associate.
• Experience with OpenAI, Hugging Face, LangChain for conversational AI and RAG systems.
• Understanding of multi-agent architectures and ensemble strategies.
• Exposure to Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools like Jira or Azure Boards.
• Contributions to open-source projects or technical blogs.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

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

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 [email protected] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.