Mid Level Sensor Operator Jobs
Mid level sensor operator jobs go to professionals ready to own collection missions end to end, interpret complex sensor data with minimal supervision, and guide junior operators through technical procedures. Roles are predominantly on-site given operational requirements, with openings concentrated across Manufacturing, Education, and Automotive and employers like KLA, Tesla, and SPECTRAFORCE hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Mid Level Sensor Operator jobs
INTRODUCTION
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. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it.
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise. We're looking for a hands-on CCD sensor engineer to design, characterize, and integrate image sensor systems! You'll work at the bench as much as at the desk, bridging the sensor, optics, mechanics, and electronics.
Responsibilities
- Characterize CCD sensors: quantum efficiency, read noise, dark current, linearity, full well, CTE
- Design and debug sensor and sensor electronics (clocking, bias, analog front end)
- Integrate sensors into camera assemblies during prototyping phase, including mounting, alignment, flatness, occasional troubleshooting of thermal management issues.
- Collaborate with optical, firmware, electrical, and mechanical teams on system integration
- Build test setups, run calibration, and analyze data to root-cause image artifacts
- Produce clear documentation, test reports, and design reviews.
- Hand off and train manufacturing team to when projects go into production
Qualifications
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with CCD (or CMOS) imaging sensors
- Good mechanical aptitude: comfortable with fixturing, assembly.
- Experience troubleshooting analog, digital and power supplies. Comfortable making low-noise measurements, and lab instruments (oscilloscopes, source meters, photometers)
- Familiarity with PTC (photon transfer curve) analysis and sensor test methodology
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis
- Experience with cleanroom handling and ESD-safe assembly
- Embedded or FPGA experience for sensor timing and readout
- Background in cooled, scientific, or low-light imaging
- Knowledge of optical alignment, interferometry, or flatness metrology
- Experience taking a design from prototype to production
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
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: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 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.
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 talent.acquisition@kla.com 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.
INTRODUCTION
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. KLA's Central Engineering organization is made up of nine Centers of Excellence (CoEs) spanning disciplines like automation, motion control, sensors, platform design, and packaging. Each CoE contributes not only technical deliverables but also deep expertise, best practices, and advanced tools that elevate both what we build—and how we build it.
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise. We're looking for a hands-on CCD sensor engineer to design, characterize, and integrate image sensor systems! You'll work at the bench as much as at the desk, bridging the sensor, optics, mechanics, and electronics.
Responsibilities
- Characterize CCD sensors: quantum efficiency, read noise, dark current, linearity, full well, CTE
- Design and debug sensor and sensor electronics (clocking, bias, analog front end)
- Integrate sensors into camera assemblies during prototyping phase, including mounting, alignment, flatness, occasional troubleshooting of thermal management issues.
- Collaborate with optical, firmware, electrical, and mechanical teams on system integration
- Build test setups, run calibration, and analyze data to root-cause image artifacts
- Produce clear documentation, test reports, and design reviews.
- Hand off and train manufacturing team to when projects go into production
Qualifications
- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with CCD (or CMOS) imaging sensors
- Good mechanical aptitude: comfortable with fixturing, assembly.
- Experience troubleshooting analog, digital and power supplies. Comfortable making low-noise measurements, and lab instruments (oscilloscopes, source meters, photometers)
- Familiarity with PTC (photon transfer curve) analysis and sensor test methodology
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis
- Experience with cleanroom handling and ESD-safe assembly
- Embedded or FPGA experience for sensor timing and readout
- Background in cooled, scientific, or low-light imaging
- Knowledge of optical alignment, interferometry, or flatness metrology
- Experience taking a design from prototype to production
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
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: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 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.
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 talent.acquisition@kla.com 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.
See All 6 Mid Level Sensor Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsMid Level Sensor Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
Mid Level Sensor Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mid level sensor operator job?
Position yourself by emphasizing direct ownership of sensor collection tasks, platform-specific certifications, and any experience interpreting data under real operational conditions. Tailor your resume to show you have worked independently rather than under close supervision. Highlight cross-functional collaboration, familiarity with multiple sensor systems, and any role you played in mission planning or post-collection analysis to stand out from candidates with less defined scope of work.
Which companies hire mid level sensor operators?
Companies hiring mid level sensor operators right now include KLA, Tesla, and SPECTRAFORCE, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring is driven by defense contractors, federal agencies, and intelligence-adjacent firms that require operators with demonstrated platform proficiency and the ability to function with limited direct oversight in demanding environments.
Are there remote mid level sensor operator jobs?
Yes, though the majority of mid level sensor operator roles require on-site presence due to classified environments and specialized hardware. About 17% of mid level sensor operator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with those positions typically involving data review, mission planning support, or analysis work that does not require physical access to sensor platforms or secure facilities.
How do I move up to a mid level sensor operator role?
Moving from entry level into a mid level sensor operator role comes from building a consistent record of independent task execution, earning platform-specific qualifications, and taking on work that shows increasing scope. Operators who seek out mentorship opportunities, contribute to mission planning, and develop proficiency on more than one sensor system tend to make the transition faster than those who stay narrowly focused on a single assignment.
Which industries hire the most mid level sensor operators?
Mid Level sensor operator roles concentrate in Manufacturing, Education, and Automotive, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive consistent hiring at the mid level because their missions depend on experienced operators who can manage sensor platforms independently, interpret data accurately under time pressure, and support both collection and analysis functions within larger operational teams.