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.

What You'll Do

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Global Government Affairs Leadership

Develop and execute a comprehensive global government affairs strategy aligned with corporate objectives and growth priorities.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with government officials, policymakers, regulators, trade associations, think tanks, and industry coalitions worldwide.
Represent the company before legislative and executive branch officials on issues affecting the semiconductor ecosystem.
Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership and business units regarding emerging policy, geopolitical, and regulatory developments.

Export Controls, Trade & National Security Policy

Lead company advocacy and policy engagement strategies related to export controls, sanctions, foreign investment review, and technology transfer regulations.
Develop positions and engagement strategies regarding evolving semiconductor restrictions, advanced computing controls, AI-related regulations, and national security measures.
Partner closely with legal, compliance, and business leaders to navigate regulatory changes and mitigate business risks.

Geopolitical Risk & Strategic Intelligence

Analyze geopolitical developments affecting semiconductor markets, technology competition, and global supply chains.
Provide actionable intelligence and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Support business planning through assessment of regulatory, political, and trade-related risks and opportunities.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Partner with executive leadership, legal, compliance, communications, business development, and regional leadership teams.
Coordinate external messaging and advocacy efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
Manage external consultants, lobbying firms, and industry association engagements.
Build and develop a high-performing global government affairs organization.

Executive Leadership & Strategic Advisory

Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, and business unit leaders on geopolitical, regulatory, trade, and public policy developments affecting the company's global operations and growth strategy.
Translate complex policy, export control, national security, and geopolitical developments into clear business implications and actionable recommendations for senior executives.
Partner closely with executive stakeholders to align government affairs strategies with corporate objectives, market expansion plans, investment decisions, and risk management priorities.
Build consensus among cross-functional executive teams and influence decision-making on high-impact policy and regulatory matters.
Support executive engagement with government officials, industry leaders, customers, and strategic partners on critical public policy issues.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Required Experience

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Law, Economics, Engineering, or related field preferred.
15+ years of progressively responsible experience in government affairs, public policy, trade policy, or regulatory affairs.
Significant experience within the semiconductor, technology, electronics, defense, or advanced manufacturing sectors.
Demonstrated expertise in export controls, sanctions, international trade policy, and national security-related regulations.
Experience engaging with senior government officials and policymakers in multiple jurisdictions.
Proven ability to influence complex policy outcomes and manage high-stakes regulatory issues.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with U.S. Department of Commerce export control frameworks, including EAR regulations.
Familiarity with global semiconductor policy initiatives and industrial strategies.
Experience working in multinational organizations with global responsibilities.
Prior government service, congressional experience, trade association leadership, or regulatory agency experience.
Understanding of semiconductor technology, manufacturing, supply chains, and advanced computing ecosystems.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic thinker with strong geopolitical awareness.
Exceptional executive presence and communication skills.
Ability to navigate complex and sensitive policy environments.
Strong relationship-building and coalition-development capabilities.
Sound judgment in highly visible and politically sensitive situations.
Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and rapid change.

Success Measures

Effective influence of policy outcomes supporting company growth and competitiveness.
Enhanced visibility and credibility with key government stakeholders globally.
Proactive identification and mitigation of geopolitical and regulatory risks.
Strong executive partnership and strategic guidance to leadership.
Successful development and execution of coordinated global advocacy strategies.

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: $0.00 - $0.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-DC-Remote-US03K

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.

KLA jobs

VP, Global Government Affairs & Strategic Policy