I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at KLA (Chennai) in Aug 2013
Interview
Applied through job portals. Got a call from them after a week. Then a telephone interview was scheduled a couple of days later. I was informed the next day that I was selected for the next round which is on site. On site interview was scheduled ten days later. It was for a complete day.
Usually they interview 6 to 7 members on that onsite interview. In onsite interview, first round is a written test which is on some image analyzing questions in which grey scale image is represented in form of histograms and then filter some defects based on the distribution. Second round is to defend the answers of first round in a 2:1 interview. The third round is a typical 1:1 HR round. Fourth round is on problem solving, in which I was asked puzzles and some mathematical questions based on numbers. The fifth round is a presentation round on the final year project typically for 15 min followed by 15 min questionnaire. Then I was informed that I was selected. The next day one final HR round which you will pass if you completed all the previous rounds
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
For an electrical engineering back ground, telephonic questions are:
1Q. Working principle of self excited DC machine.
2Q. Difference between a BJT and a MOSFET and which is cheap to manufacture and why.
3Q. (trivial) If a heavy mass and light mass are dropped from a same height, which reaches ground earlier?
4Q. Why do you want to join the company?
Onsite Interview:
First round: Image analyzing questions like which algorithm is better? (specific algorithms were given initially).
Second round: Why do you think that is better? what are the advantages and disadvantages of them?
Third round: How will you decide warranty cost of a product which is just now released. Also typical HR questions.
Fourth round: (Search internet for detailed question)
1Q. Four people want to cross bridge and take time 1, 2, 7, 10 min. Lantern is required and only two people can cross. What is the minimum time in which all 4 can cross?
2Q. 100 toggable bulbs and 100 members. nth person toggles all bulbs which are multiples of n. Initially all are switched off and all 100 were given chance to toggle. Finally which bulbs remain on?
3Q. 3 Baskets and you know that one with apple, other with orange and last one with both which are not labelled. You can pick one fruit, look at it and put it back. In how many trials you can label the baskets.
Fifth Round: Given a presentation and had questions on that regarding team work and personal contributions, uniqueness and value of the project along with some technical questions.
Next day:
One round: Typical HR questions like what things you want to improve and what you lack?
Why this company? How you worked in a team? Most stressful situation?
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at KLA (Milpitas, CA) in Nov 2025
Interview
The interviewers were nice and welcoming. Initially, an online screening happened through resume shortlist. Then the interview took place online. However, the interview was on problem solving rather than technical.
3 rounds of interview done. HR interview, zoom interview and a technical presentation. Potentially still have another round of interview with directors. Interviewers are friendly, nice and welcoming. Do not feel pressured or stress during the interview.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was your biggest achievement in your previous job
4 rounds, 3 individual 1 on 1 interviews with managers and 1 panel presentation. The presentation was 30 mins and each panel interview was half an hour. All back to back
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Present a technical topic of your choosing for 30 mins