Etch Process Engineer

KLA; Newport; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share scheme

Pension scheme

Cash health plan

Cycle-to-work scheme

Global bonus plan

Life assurance

Annual leave 25 days

Job summary

SPTS, a division of KLA, in Newport, UK, seeks an engineer to develop plasma etch processes and process customer wafers using demonstration equipment. You will document results, develop new recipes, and support customers while contributing to IP submissions. Role may involve international travel and occasional shift work.

The position requires BSc/BEng in a related field, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in SEM/metrology. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to success.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with SEM/metrology experience.
• Knowledge of endpoint detection techniques; hands-on experience desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across teams.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate plasma etch processes in line with specifications and report results.
• Develop plasma etch processes aligned with product capabilities and customer requirements.
• Provide field support and troubleshooting at customer sites.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams; prepare IP documentation and reports.

Skills

End-point detection

SEM/metrology experience

Analytical problem solving

Technical report writing

Strong communication

Education

BSc/BEng in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or related

Job description

Company Overview

SPTS is a division of KLA that designs, manufactures, and markets wafer processing solutions for the global semiconductor and related industries. SPTS provides industry‑leading etch and deposition process technologies on a range of single‑wafer handling platforms. End‑market applications include micro‑electromechanical systems (MEMS), advanced packaging, LED, high‑speed RF device ICs, and power semiconductors. As part of KLA Corporation, SPTS offers advanced process control and enabling solutions for manufacturing wafers, reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards, and flat‑panel displays, working in close collaboration with leading customers worldwide.

Group/Division

SPTS wafer processing solutions cover market‑leading silicon etch, dielectric etch, dry‑release etch, PVD, PECVD, and molecular vapor deposition (MVD®). Products are available with various wafer‑handling options for R&D, pilot production, or volume production environments. The division is headquartered in Newport, UK, with manufacturing in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and operates across 19 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia‑Pacific.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

Working with the Etch Samples team, the primary responsibility is to develop plasma etch processes and process customer wafers using demonstration equipment. The role requires documenting and reporting all work completed after sample processing activities. It includes developing new process recipes across a range of technologies, contributing to hardware testing, providing technical support to customers, writing technical reports, generating intellectual property submissions, and supporting other business units. The position may involve international travel and occasional shift work.

Key Responsibilities

Process Demonstrations

• Demonstrate plasma etch processes in line with agreed specifications.
• Evaluate process results using analytical equipment and relevant software tools.
• Perform problem‑solving and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Product Marketing team.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with customers.
• Summarise and communicate results through technical reports, presentations, and customer updates.

Process Development

• Develop plasma etch processes aligned with SPTS product capabilities and customer requirements.
• Plan and execute work safely, efficiently, and within agreed timescales.
• Utilise a range of endpoint detection techniques to optimise process control.
• Conduct marathon and reliability testing for new processes and equipment.
• Contribute to cross‑functional project teams developing new products and process technologies.
• Prepare technical documentation to support patent applications, publications, and conference presentations.

Field Support

• Develop and optimise SPTS processes at customer sites to meet agreed performance specifications.
• Establish, develop, and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to customers as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience using metrology techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Knowledge of endpoint detection techniques; hands‑on experience is desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across teams.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

What We Will Offer You

Annual leave starting at 25 days (plus bank holidays), share scheme, contributory pension scheme, cash health plan, cycle‑to‑work scheme, global bonus plan, rewards scheme, and life assurance.

Minimum Qualifications

BSc/BEng in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KLA is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer, providing a diverse and inclusive workplace that meets the needs of its employees.