Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in California
Manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California draw engineers, process scientists, and supply chain analysts to employers like Applied Materials, Tesla, and Lam Research. From Silicon Valley's semiconductor fabs to Los Angeles's aerospace and medical device manufacturers, California's industrial base spans advanced manufacturing sectors that regularly hire international graduates in STEM-designated roles.
Find Manufacturing JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 215+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in California
See all 215+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in California
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in California.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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 Surfscan® division develops unpatterned wafer inspection systems that detect nanoscale particles and surface defects early in semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems monitor wafer quality across a wide range of applications, enabling faster issue identification and improved process control.
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. KLA is seeking a highly motivated Senior Algorithm Engineer to join the Surfscan division, where you will be part of a collaborative team developing advanced algorithms that power industry-leading wafer inspection solutions! This role focuses on the development of image, signal processing and artificial intelligence algorithms for the next generations of optical inspection and metrology systems. The responsibilities of this position cover the entire life cycle of algorithms, including modeling, proof-of-concept design, production software design and implementation, performance characterization, documentation and user support. Since algorithms can affect many aspects of the system, significant amount of time will be spent on cross-function team collaboration for prototyping and testing.
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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
This role requires a proven innovative track record and solid fundamental knowledge in the related fields of algorithm development, including image segmentation, texture analysis, classification, feature extraction, statistical data analysis, signal processing, filter theory, machine learning, deep learning. C/C++, Matlab/Python programming skills are must have. CPU optimization (SSE/AVX) and GPU (CUDA) programming are among the highly desired skills too. The candidate needs to be a self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or in a team. Strong written and verbal communications skills are needed for extensive interactions with members of a multi-disciplinary global team. Ph.D. degree in EE, CS, and Physics with strong experience in algorithm development is preferred.
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 - $199,900.00 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 Surfscan® division develops unpatterned wafer inspection systems that detect nanoscale particles and surface defects early in semiconductor manufacturing. Its systems monitor wafer quality across a wide range of applications, enabling faster issue identification and improved process control.
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. KLA is seeking a highly motivated Senior Algorithm Engineer to join the Surfscan division, where you will be part of a collaborative team developing advanced algorithms that power industry-leading wafer inspection solutions! This role focuses on the development of image, signal processing and artificial intelligence algorithms for the next generations of optical inspection and metrology systems. The responsibilities of this position cover the entire life cycle of algorithms, including modeling, proof-of-concept design, production software design and implementation, performance characterization, documentation and user support. Since algorithms can affect many aspects of the system, significant amount of time will be spent on cross-function team collaboration for prototyping and testing.
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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
This role requires a proven innovative track record and solid fundamental knowledge in the related fields of algorithm development, including image segmentation, texture analysis, classification, feature extraction, statistical data analysis, signal processing, filter theory, machine learning, deep learning. C/C++, Matlab/Python programming skills are must have. CPU optimization (SSE/AVX) and GPU (CUDA) programming are among the highly desired skills too. The candidate needs to be a self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or in a team. Strong written and verbal communications skills are needed for extensive interactions with members of a multi-disciplinary global team. Ph.D. degree in EE, CS, and Physics with strong experience in algorithm development is preferred.
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 - $199,900.00 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.
STEM OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in California
See all 215+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Manufacturing Jobs in CaliforniaManufacturing STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in California?
California manufacturers with documented F-1 STEM OPT hiring include semiconductor equipment makers like Applied Materials and Lam Research in Santa Clara, electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla in Fremont, aerospace and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon in Southern California, and medical device firms like Edwards Lifesciences and Align Technology. These employers regularly file Labor Condition Applications with the DOL for STEM-designated engineering and technical roles.
Which cities in California have the most manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area, particularly Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont, concentrates semiconductor, cleantech, and electric vehicle manufacturing that sponsors STEM OPT engineers. Los Angeles and the South Bay host aerospace, defense, and medical device employers. San Diego has a strong biotech manufacturing cluster. The Inland Empire and Sacramento region also offer food processing and advanced manufacturing opportunities for STEM OPT graduates.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify must fall under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code tied to the graduate's degree. In manufacturing, this commonly includes process engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, supply chain analytics, and automation or robotics engineering. Production management and general operations roles without a direct STEM degree match typically do not qualify. Confirm your specific role's eligibility with your Designated School Official.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters manufacturing jobs in California specifically by F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship eligibility, using DOL Labor Condition Application data to surface employers with active sponsorship history in the state. This is more reliable than filtering by keyword alone, since many employers sponsor visas without advertising it explicitly. Search by city or sub-region within California to target semiconductor, aerospace, medical device, or EV manufacturing clusters directly.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in California manufacturing?
California's STEM OPT E-Verify requirement applies statewide: every employer sponsoring a STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify, which most large California manufacturers already satisfy. California also enforces stricter worker classification standards under AB5, which means manufacturing STEM OPT roles must be structured as direct W-2 employment, not contractor arrangements. STEM OPT participants must also have a formal training plan (Form I-983) that California employers are generally experienced with filing.