What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supply Chain Specialist position at kla?
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. Job Description/Preferred Qualifications Purpose of Role: Address increasing supply chain complexity and sub-tier dependencies Provide dedicated resources to debottleneck critical suppliers Improve supply assurance during ramp / constrained environments Enable faster issue resolution vs traditional buyer structure Build longer-term visibility and capability across shared sub-tier suppliers Key Responsibilities: 1. Sub-Tier Supply Chain Management Track demand vs. supply across critical sub-tier suppliers (not just direct suppliers) Monitor supplier PO placement and fulfillment status downstream Validate that sub-tier suppliers have received orders, have capacity, and can deliver on time Develop visibility into multi-tier supply chain constraints and risks 2. Supply Bottleneck Resolution / Debottlenecking Identify and prioritize supply chain bottlenecks impacting key programs Lead cross-functional and supplier engagements to remove constraints Drive recovery plans for shortages, late deliveries, and capacity issues Focus on critical parts / constrained commodities impacting output 3. Supplier Escalation Ownership Act as primary escalation point for complex supplier and sub-tier issues Conduct deep-dive follow-ups across supplier tiers until resolution Coordinate escalation across suppliers, sub-suppliers, and internal stakeholders Ensure timely closure of high-impact supply disruptions 4. Strategic Supply Chain Coordination Work across assigned divisions to align supply priorities Identify common sub-tier suppliers and consolidation opportunities Support development of shared supply chain capabilities across divisions Contribute to longer-term strategy for cross-site / cross-business supply resilience 5. Supply Assurance & Ramp Support Support business ramp and demand surges by ensuring supply readiness Partner with planning and procurement teams to align supply commitments Anticipate risks and ensure proactive mitigation plans are in place Drive continuity planning for critical materials and components 6. Data Tracking & Visibility Monitor and manage key supply chain metrics: Supplier commit vs. actual delivery Sub-tier readiness and capacity Shortage / backlog tracking Develop clear dashboards and reporting for leadership visibility Provide inputs for ORAM, management reviews, and escalation forums 7. Continuous Improvement & Capability Building Identify structural gaps in multi-tier supply visibility Implement processes to enhance tracking of sub-tier supply risks Support development of playbooks for supplier escalation and recovery Drive long-term improvements in supply chain resilience and response speed Minimum Qualifications Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field 5 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or supplier management Experience in high-mix, complex manufacturing environment (e.g., semiconductor, equipment) Familiarity with supplier ecosystems and multi-tier supply chains Key Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical capability (high ambiguity environment) Deep supplier management and escalation handling skills Ability to navigate cross-functional and cross-company stakeholders Data-driven decision-making (Excel/Power BI / ERP tools) Strong communication and influence skills We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees. KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer 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. Now hiring curious minds who want to learn even more. Explore KLA at www.kla.com/careers 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. We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.