Tech Program Manager (PLC)

About the role

KLA's Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells inspection, metrology and analytics systems that help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. As PLC Program Manager, you own the end-to-end lifecycle of a product or major program, from concept and development through qualification, volume release, sustaining and end-of-life, and act as the single point of accountability across functions.

Key responsibilities

• Own the program lifecycle, scope, schedule, budget, resources, risks and deliverables.
• Build and maintain the integrated program plan and drive execution against key milestones.
• Lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Service, Applications and Marketing.
• Drive PLC phase-gate readiness and ensure deliverables and exit criteria are met.
• Identify and manage technical, operational, supplier, schedule and business risks, and coordinate recovery plans and corrective actions.
• Manage dependencies with suppliers and external partners, and ensure smooth transition from development into manufacturing and sustaining.
• Provide data-driven status, risk and decision visibility to senior management and drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, reliability and efficiency.

Required profile

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Engineering, Physics or another relevant technical discipline.
• Typically 8+ years of experience in multidisciplinary engineering, product development or technical program management.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional technical programs.
• Experience with R&D, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Quality organizations.
• Ability to lead and influence teams without direct authority, communicate with senior management and work in a global, multidisciplinary organization.

Additional relevant experience

• Process development and engineering, including process characterization, DOE, SPC, yield improvement and process capability analysis.
• Transitioning processes from development and qualification to stable high-volume manufacturing, and supplier process qualification and manufacturing readiness.
• Manufacturing automation, inspection, test or automated quality control, and root-cause analysis.