This is a highly visible Staff-level role at the forefront of semiconductor digital transformation. You will help define how leading manufacturers leverage AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, and factory intelligence to improve yield, accelerate ramp, and optimize production. Working across some of the industry's most advanced fabs, you will shape the future of data-driven semiconductor manufacturing while influencing strategic growth for one of KLA's fastest-growing software businesses.
Position Summary
The Technical Solutions Manager will serve as the market and business leader responsible for driving product positioning, go-to-market strategy, customer engagement, and portfolio growth for KLA's software solutions focused on:
Fault Detection & Classification (FDC)
Virtual Metrology (VM)
Advanced Process Control (APC) integrations
Yield Analytics
Manufacturing Intelligence
AI/ML-Driven Process Optimization
This role requires a unique blend of semiconductor manufacturing expertise, software product marketing experience, business strategy, and data analytics knowledge. The successful candidate will work closely with customers, product management, engineering, sales, and executive leadership to define market direction and accelerate adoption of AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Market Strategy & Thought Leadership
Develop and execute long-term product marketing strategies for KLA's FDC, Virtual Metrology, and Yield Enhancement software portfolio.
Analyze semiconductor manufacturing trends, Smart Factory initiatives, Industry 4.0 adoption, and AI-driven process optimization opportunities.
Assess market dynamics, customer needs, and competitive landscapes to identify growth opportunities.
Provide strategic recommendations that influence product investment priorities and business planning.
Product Positioning & Messaging
Define compelling value propositions that clearly communicate customer benefits including yield improvement, cycle-time reduction, process optimization, and productivity gains.
Develop product messaging, positioning frameworks, and competitive differentiation strategies.
Create executive-level presentations, customer-facing content, white papers, web content, customer success stories, and product launch materials.
Translate complex AI, analytics, and process control capabilities into clear business outcomes.
Customer & Industry Engagement
Engage directly with semiconductor manufacturers, foundries, IDMs, memory customers, and OSATs to understand emerging manufacturing challenges.
Conduct Voice of Customer (VoC) initiatives to identify unmet market needs and solution opportunities.
Lead customer advisory discussions and participate in strategic account engagements.
Represent KLA at industry conferences, customer workshops, and technical forums.
Product & Portfolio Leadership
Partner closely with Product Management, Engineering, Applications, and Data Science teams to align product strategy with customer requirements.
Influence software roadmaps based on market intelligence and customer feedback.
Assist in defining product packaging, pricing, and commercial strategies.
Support business case development for new product investments and market expansion opportunities.
Sales Enablement & Revenue Growth
Equip field sales, applications, and business development teams with effective messaging, competitive insights, and technical sales tools.
Develop sales training programs and customer engagement materials.
Support strategic opportunities and executive-level customer presentations.
Monitor market performance, adoption metrics, and competitive activity to drive growth initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Mathematics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Business, or related field.
10+ years of experience in product marketing, product management, semiconductor manufacturing, yield engineering, process control, manufacturing software, or related technical-commercial roles.
Strong understanding of semiconductor manufacturing operations and process control methodologies.
Familiarity with
Fault Detection & Classification (FDC)
Virtual Metrology (VM)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Advanced Process Control (APC)
Yield Management Systems
Manufacturing Analytics Platforms
Experience marketing or supporting software products and data-driven solutions.
Proven ability to translate technical capabilities into business value propositions.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree, MBA, or PhD in a technical discipline.
Experience with semiconductor foundries, memory manufacturers, logic fabs operations.
Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Predictive Analytics, Digital Twin technologies, or Smart Manufacturing initiatives.
Experience with manufacturing data architectures, MES systems, APC ecosystems, and factory automation environments.
Familiarity with semiconductor process modules including lithography, etch, deposition, CMP, metrology, and inspection.
Experience launching enterprise software, SaaS platforms, or manufacturing intelligence solutions.
Key Competencies
Strategic & Business Leadership
Market Strategy Development
Portfolio Growth Planning
Business Case Development
Competitive Intelligence
Revenue Growth Initiatives
Technical Expertise
Semiconductor Process Control
Fault Detection & Classification
Virtual Metrology
Yield Analytics
AI & Machine Learning Applications
Smart Manufacturing
Customer & Commercial Excellence
Customer Engagement
Executive Presentations
Consultative Selling
Product Positioning
Go-to-Market Execution
Leadership & Collaboration
Cross-Functional Influence
Strategic Communication
Change Leadership
Global Collaboration
Stakeholder Management
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
Base Pay Range: $138,500.00 - $235,500.00
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.
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.
