Design Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Design engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California are concentrated in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and San Diego, where companies like Apple, Google, and Qualcomm regularly hire international engineering talent. The state's semiconductor, aerospace, and consumer electronics industries create steady demand for design engineers across hardware, VLSI, and embedded systems disciplines.
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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 Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) Division provides industry leading metrology solutions for worldwide semiconductor IC manufacturers. The FaST Division portfolio of metrology products includes hardware and software solutions for optical film thickness, optical critical dimension (CD), composition, and resistivity measurement systems. These products are essential for the IC manufacturers as they provide critical metrology capabilities for the development and implementation of their advanced IC processes. The FaST division is committed to support our customers to achieve performance entitlement of our solution and we effectively partner with our customers from their early research and development phase to the high volume in-line manufacturing implementation specific for their process needs. The division consists of a global team located in US, Israel, China, and India.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on System Design Engineer to join our team, focusing on the development and enhancement of advanced metrology systems, including X-ray–based solutions.
The ideal candidate combines strong system-level thinking with practical experience in product development, system integration, and advanced troubleshooting. This role requires the ability to rapidly prototype and independently design innovative solutions, while working closely with cross-functional teams to drive products from concept through high-volume manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and prototype metrology systems and subsystems, ensuring performance, serviceability, manufacturability, and reliability.
- Lead system-level integration across hardware and data flows, bridging R&D and high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Participate in full product life cycle (PLC) development for current and next-generation products.
- Perform system modeling, error budgeting, and data-driven performance optimization.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, manufacturing, and service) to define requirements and system architecture.
- Drive performance improvement, cost reduction, and reliability enhancement.
- Develop and deploy data analysis and automation solutions (e.g., Python-based tools) to improve engineering productivity and system insight.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation, including design reviews, specifications, and test plans.
- Provide technical support and root cause analysis for manufacturing ramps, field issues, and customer escalations.
- Partner with external vendors and suppliers to develop and qualify subsystems and components.
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. with 3+ years, Master’s with 5+ years, or Bachelor’s with 7+ years of relevant experience
- Strong foundation in physics, engineering, or related field, with system-level problem-solving capability
- Hands-on experience with hardware systems (e.g., vacuum systems, optics, or advanced instrumentation)
- Proficiency in data analysis and programming (Python or equivalent)
- Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Up to 20% global travel required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with X-ray metrology, scattering techniques, or electron/ion-based systems
- Experience developing hardware for the semiconductor capital equipment industry is preferred.
- Familiarity with AI/ML-based or data-driven metrology approaches
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: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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 Film and Scatterometry Technology (FaST) Division provides industry leading metrology solutions for worldwide semiconductor IC manufacturers. The FaST Division portfolio of metrology products includes hardware and software solutions for optical film thickness, optical critical dimension (CD), composition, and resistivity measurement systems. These products are essential for the IC manufacturers as they provide critical metrology capabilities for the development and implementation of their advanced IC processes. The FaST division is committed to support our customers to achieve performance entitlement of our solution and we effectively partner with our customers from their early research and development phase to the high volume in-line manufacturing implementation specific for their process needs. The division consists of a global team located in US, Israel, China, and India.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on System Design Engineer to join our team, focusing on the development and enhancement of advanced metrology systems, including X-ray–based solutions.
The ideal candidate combines strong system-level thinking with practical experience in product development, system integration, and advanced troubleshooting. This role requires the ability to rapidly prototype and independently design innovative solutions, while working closely with cross-functional teams to drive products from concept through high-volume manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and prototype metrology systems and subsystems, ensuring performance, serviceability, manufacturability, and reliability.
- Lead system-level integration across hardware and data flows, bridging R&D and high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Participate in full product life cycle (PLC) development for current and next-generation products.
- Perform system modeling, error budgeting, and data-driven performance optimization.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, manufacturing, and service) to define requirements and system architecture.
- Drive performance improvement, cost reduction, and reliability enhancement.
- Develop and deploy data analysis and automation solutions (e.g., Python-based tools) to improve engineering productivity and system insight.
- Create and maintain detailed documentation, including design reviews, specifications, and test plans.
- Provide technical support and root cause analysis for manufacturing ramps, field issues, and customer escalations.
- Partner with external vendors and suppliers to develop and qualify subsystems and components.
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. with 3+ years, Master’s with 5+ years, or Bachelor’s with 7+ years of relevant experience
- Strong foundation in physics, engineering, or related field, with system-level problem-solving capability
- Hands-on experience with hardware systems (e.g., vacuum systems, optics, or advanced instrumentation)
- Proficiency in data analysis and programming (Python or equivalent)
- Experience working in a cross-functional product development environment
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Up to 20% global travel required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with X-ray metrology, scattering techniques, or electron/ion-based systems
- Experience developing hardware for the semiconductor capital equipment industry is preferred.
- Familiarity with AI/ML-based or data-driven metrology approaches
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: $159,500.00 - $271,200.00 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.
Design Engineer Job Roles in California
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Search Design Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaDesign Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for design engineers in California?
California's largest design engineer visa sponsors include Apple, Qualcomm, Intel, NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Google. Aerospace employers like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin also file regularly for design engineering roles, particularly in Southern California. Semiconductor and fabless chip companies concentrated in Silicon Valley and San Diego consistently appear in Department of Labor LCA disclosure data for this occupation.
Which visa types are most common for design engineer roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for design engineers in California, as most roles require a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, qualifying them as specialty occupations. Australians may pursue the E-3 visa as an H-1B alternative. Senior engineers with distinguished records sometimes qualify for the O-1A. Canadian and Mexican nationals may be eligible for TN visa status under the engineer category.
Which cities in California have the most design engineer sponsorship jobs?
San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley corridor lead for hardware and VLSI design engineer roles, driven by the semiconductor cluster there. San Francisco and the East Bay add software-integrated design positions. San Diego is a major hub for RF, mixed-signal, and wireless chip design, anchored by Qualcomm. Los Angeles and Orange County offer aerospace and defense design engineering opportunities through employers like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.
How to find design engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters design engineer jobs in California specifically by visa sponsorship availability, saving you from sorting through postings that won't support international candidates. You can search by city, discipline, and employer to focus on companies with a track record of sponsoring design engineers. Filtering by role type, such as hardware, mechanical, or embedded systems, helps narrow results to positions matching your engineering background.
Are there state-specific considerations for design engineers pursuing sponsorship in California?
California's Department of Industrial Relations sets prevailing wage determinations independently for some regulated occupations, and California-based employers must also comply with strict state labor laws alongside federal LCA wage requirements. Many California design engineering employers, particularly in semiconductors and defense, require security clearances that are unavailable to most nonimmigrant visa holders, which narrows the sponsoring employer pool in those sectors. University programs at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and UCLA feed a strong local talent pipeline, so international candidates benefit from emphasizing specialized technical skills.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored design engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.