Nice place to work for, but needs changes - Software Engineer KLA Employee Review

3.0
Sep 16, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- best cross functional teams i ever worked with - great team dynamics. Individual contributors and first level managers are pro-active, smart, hard-working and always ready to jump in and solve problems - very strong in processes, infrastructure and policies (could be a drawback at times) - very detail oriented and project plans are very extensive and heavily scrutinized - people are always willing to learn new things and push their limits to face new challenges - very friendly and helpful peers - great benefits, bonus and stocks - fitness center rocks (esp the complimentary towel service!) - cafeteria has good food options - learning center has excellent courses (for both technical and personal development)

Cons

- senior management is more goal-oriented and less people-oriented - some senior managers are extreme workaholics and set the tone for the team. This is causing morale to sink even lower as people are expected to work nights and weekends to meet deadlines that show up at the last minute - all work and no play. Not many team outings as work stress and schedules are really packed. - sometimes, it feels like you have to give an arm and a leg to get recognition or move up the career ladder. Depending on which division you work for, career growth could be non-existent

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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