Too much cronyism and recycling for management roles - Program Manager KLA Employee Review

2.0
Sep 8, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fair compensation and benefits, very smart engineering teams, great products. Very challenging problems to work on now and in the future

Cons

Little to no upward mobility and same managers get recycled even after failing. Most managers in roles because of old boys network and lack leadership / charisma. Too safe in decisions - good for short term but mentality prevents risk taking that could lead to real growth.

Explore other reviews about KLA

5.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Wonderful experience, great company to work

Cons

No complaints, well structured, great time

1.0
Jul 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

While the salary and compensation packages are competitive, make no mistake: this is merely a desperate mechanism to slow down their revolving door of high turnover. They do not offer good pay because KLA is a great place to work. Instead, they simply throw money at people as a retention tactic because they will do absolutely anything to stop employees from quitting

Cons

If KLA approaches you for a job, you must ensure that you end up doing the work you applied for. This is especially critical if they relocate you. Otherwise, you will find yourself trapped in a role you absolutely despise for two miserable years. In my entire career, KLA has by far the worst corporate culture I have ever experienced. They possess absolutely no desire to mentor or develop their talent. Frankly, KLA is where promising talent goes to die, completely buried under endless corporate politics and quite frankly racism. The company is plagued by incompetent managers and directors, leaving a massive, gaping void where leadership should be. Furthermore, do not believe the praise you read online. All of these positive reviews are written by H1B employees who genuinely believe they will advance their careers if they just suck up to management or leave a dishonest five-star rating.

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