OPT Hpc Engineer Jobs
HPC Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, computational science, or engineering. Employers in national labs, research universities, and tech firms regularly hire for these roles, and the work typically qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
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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.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Essential Skills:
- Strong experience in designing and developing multi-threaded, multi-process, and distributed computing systems.
- Extensive software development experience using C++, Java, and object-oriented design principles, with a deep understanding of software architecture and design patterns.
- Proven expertise in Linux system programming, including development of system-level software and automation using Shell and Python scripting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex software and system issues efficiently.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly understand, articulate, and document technical problems and solutions.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with cloud and datacenter technologies, including compute, networking, storage, virtualization, containerization, and cluster orchestration platforms.
- Strong knowledge of Linux kernel configuration, performance tuning, and system internals.
- Experience with Linux device driver development and kernel-level debugging.
- Understanding of real-time and high-performance computing (HPC) systems, including performance optimization, scalability, and reliability considerations.
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills for complex HPC software, storage, networking, and infrastructure issues.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years.
Base Pay Range
$136,300.00 - $231,700.00 Annually
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.
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.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Essential Skills:
- Strong experience in designing and developing multi-threaded, multi-process, and distributed computing systems.
- Extensive software development experience using C++, Java, and object-oriented design principles, with a deep understanding of software architecture and design patterns.
- Proven expertise in Linux system programming, including development of system-level software and automation using Shell and Python scripting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex software and system issues efficiently.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly understand, articulate, and document technical problems and solutions.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with cloud and datacenter technologies, including compute, networking, storage, virtualization, containerization, and cluster orchestration platforms.
- Strong knowledge of Linux kernel configuration, performance tuning, and system internals.
- Experience with Linux device driver development and kernel-level debugging.
- Understanding of real-time and high-performance computing (HPC) systems, including performance optimization, scalability, and reliability considerations.
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills for complex HPC software, storage, networking, and infrastructure issues.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years.
Base Pay Range
$136,300.00 - $231,700.00 Annually
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Hpc Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
HPC roles almost always require a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field. Verify your program appears on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list before applying, so you can offer employers a 24-month authorization window.
Target employers with established OPT infrastructure
National laboratories, defense contractors, and research-intensive universities hire HPC engineers regularly and typically have HR teams experienced with OPT and E-Verify compliance. These organizations are less likely to pass on a strong candidate due to authorization uncertainty.
Lead with technical depth, not visa status
HPC hiring managers prioritize parallel computing skills, MPI, OpenMP, and performance profiling experience. Get your technical qualifications in front of them first. Visa status conversations go more smoothly when the employer is already convinced you're the right person for the role.
Know your OPT end date and plan your timeline
HPC positions often involve lengthy hiring processes with technical screens and team interviews. Start your job search at least four months before your OPT expires so authorization deadlines don't pressure you into accepting a role that isn't the right fit.
Highlight projects that demonstrate scale
Employers want evidence you've worked on compute-intensive problems. Quantify your contributions: cluster sizes, speedup ratios, job throughput improvements. Research projects, thesis work, and internships all count. Concrete performance metrics make your resume stand out against candidates without HPC-specific experience.
Understand E-Verify requirements before you start
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify before your extension begins. Confirm this early in the offer stage, not after you've signed. If an employer isn't enrolled, they'll need to complete enrollment before your start date or you cannot legally work.
Hpc Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do HPC Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. HPC engineering roles typically fall under computer science, electrical engineering, or computational science degree programs, most of which appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. If your specific program is listed, you're eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension through your DSO, giving you up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
What types of employers hire HPC engineers on OPT?
National laboratories such as Argonne, Lawrence Berkeley, and Oak Ridge, along with research universities and defense contractors, are among the most consistent hirers of HPC engineers and have experience navigating OPT authorization. Large tech companies with infrastructure or AI research divisions also hire for these roles. You can browse OPT-friendly HPC Engineer openings directly on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers open to F-1 students.
Can I work on classified HPC projects as an F-1 OPT student?
Generally, no. Most classified projects at national labs and defense contractors require a U.S. security clearance, which F-1 OPT students are not eligible to hold. However, many national laboratories and defense-adjacent employers also run unclassified HPC research programs that are open to international students. Focus your applications on open research divisions or industry teams not tied to classified work.
What technical skills strengthen an HPC Engineer's OPT job application?
Proficiency in MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, or OpenCL is expected for most HPC roles. Experience with job schedulers like Slurm or PBS, performance profiling tools such as VTune or TAU, and familiarity with large-scale storage systems all add significant weight. Employers hiring on OPT want candidates who can contribute immediately, so documented project experience on high-performance clusters is more persuasive than coursework descriptions alone.
How do I handle the OPT authorization gap if my job search takes longer than expected?
F-1 students are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT and up to 150 days during the STEM OPT extension. If your search is running long, prioritize roles at employers already enrolled in E-Verify, since that removes one potential delay from the hiring process. Stay in close contact with your DSO to monitor your unemployment days and explore whether a cap-exempt H-1B visa or other status change may be appropriate if authorization is close to expiring.