STEM OPT Physics Jobs
Physics graduates on STEM OPT get up to 36 months of work authorization, 12 initial plus a 24-month STEM extension, to work in roles like research scientist, data physicist, or quantitative analyst. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your Physics degree must match a qualifying STEM CIP code.
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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. The Measurement, Analytics and Control (MACH) division is KLA’s software powerhouse, responsible for developing high-performance software platforms that support semiconductor manufacturing. MACH delivers cutting-edge technologies in patterning analytics, modeling, and data science—empowering chipmakers to ramp next-gen devices faster and more efficiently. Our cross-functional team of research scientists, software engineers, apps engineers and process engineers are solving the industry’s most complex technical problems.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise. In this position, you will design, implement, and test advanced algorithms for fast solution of Maxwell equations on high-performance computing (HPC) clusters leveraging both multi-CPU and GPU platforms.
- Ideal candidate will be familiar with finite difference, finite element, and spectral methods for solving partial differential equations as well as associated linear algebra solvers.
- Experience with CUDA or other GPU programming frameworks for accelerating and optimizing multi-physics simulations as a plus.
- Familiarity with Fourier optics would be beneficial but is not required.
- Experience with collaborative software development practices such as code review, automated testing and deployment is a plus.
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.
COMPENSATION
- 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.
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. The Measurement, Analytics and Control (MACH) division is KLA’s software powerhouse, responsible for developing high-performance software platforms that support semiconductor manufacturing. MACH delivers cutting-edge technologies in patterning analytics, modeling, and data science—empowering chipmakers to ramp next-gen devices faster and more efficiently. Our cross-functional team of research scientists, software engineers, apps engineers and process engineers are solving the industry’s most complex technical problems.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise. In this position, you will design, implement, and test advanced algorithms for fast solution of Maxwell equations on high-performance computing (HPC) clusters leveraging both multi-CPU and GPU platforms.
- Ideal candidate will be familiar with finite difference, finite element, and spectral methods for solving partial differential equations as well as associated linear algebra solvers.
- Experience with CUDA or other GPU programming frameworks for accelerating and optimizing multi-physics simulations as a plus.
- Familiarity with Fourier optics would be beneficial but is not required.
- Experience with collaborative software development practices such as code review, automated testing and deployment is a plus.
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.
COMPENSATION
- 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.
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 STEM OPT Physics Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Physics
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Physics degrees typically fall under CIP code 40.08, but concentrations like applied physics or astrophysics may carry different codes. Pull your transcript and verify your program's exact CIP code with your DSO before you start applications.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
An employer who isn't enrolled in E-Verify cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT extension. Use the E-Verify employer search to confirm enrollment before investing time in interviews or offer negotiations.
Target national labs and research institutions early
National laboratories like Argonne, Fermilab, and Oak Ridge regularly hire Physics STEM OPT students and have established I-983 training plan processes. Starting outreach six months before your initial OPT expires gives procurement cycles time to move.
Build your I-983 training plan around measurable outcomes
USCIS requires the I-983 to show how the training relates directly to your Physics degree. Frame each goal around specific technical skills, Monte Carlo simulations, spectroscopy, or detector calibration, not generic job duties. Vague plans draw RFEs.
Use Migrate Mate to find Physics roles at E-Verify employers
Search Migrate Mate to surface Physics positions at employers already verified for E-Verify enrollment, so you're not discovering compliance gaps after an offer. Filter by STEM OPT eligibility to focus your applications where authorization is already supported.
Understand cap-gap protection if H-1B is filed
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT expires and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Confirm the petition's timely filing receipt with your employer's HR team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Physics degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension?
Physics degrees generally qualify, but eligibility depends on the specific CIP code your program was classified under at your institution. Common qualifying codes include 40.08 (Physics, General) and related concentrations. Your DSO verifies eligibility and issues the updated I-20. Confirm your program's CIP code with your school's international student office before assuming you qualify.
What E-Verify requirement applies to STEM OPT employers in Physics?
Any employer who wants to hire you on a STEM OPT extension must be actively enrolled in E-Verify for the hiring location. This isn't optional. If a physics lab, tech company, or national laboratory isn't enrolled, they cannot extend your work authorization regardless of how well you fit the role. Use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before accepting any offer.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a Physics STEM OPT role?
The I-983 must document how your job duties directly relate to your Physics degree. For physics roles, this means detailing specific technical training areas, computational modeling, experimental design, data analysis, or instrumentation, and tying each to your academic background. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO must approve it. Generic job descriptions without academic connection risk rejection by USCIS.
How do I find Physics jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lets you search Physics roles filtered by employers enrolled in E-Verify, so you can focus your applications on opportunities where your STEM OPT authorization is already supported. This saves time you'd otherwise spend vetting compliance status during the offer stage, when switching employers becomes costly and time-sensitive.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Physics employer files an H-1B petition for me?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before your STEM OPT end date and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. Your EAD doesn't need to be renewed during cap-gap. If the H-1B isn't selected, your STEM OPT authorization ends on its original expiration date, so have a contingency plan ready.