Graduate Process Engineer

KLA Corporation; Newport; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global semiconductor company is seeking graduates for its 2026 Graduate Program in Newport. This role involves developing operational processes, contributing to product development, and assessing results using analytical tools. No prior experience needed. This position offers extensive technical training and a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days annual leave.

Benefits

Annual leave starting at 25 days

Contributory pension scheme

Cash health plan

Cycle to work scheme

Global bonus plan

Share scheme

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree (2:1) in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science.
• Applicants with a Masters or prior experience in semiconductor industry desirable.
• A good acquaintance with SW tools (MS office, MATLAB) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and demonstrate operational processes to meet manufacturing specifications.
• Contribute to project teams developing new products for global customers.
• Assess results using analytical laboratory and software tools.

Skills

Passion for learning

Logical problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Chemistry, or Material Science

Tools

MS Office

MATLAB

Job description

Company Overview

The SPTS division of KLA 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 IC's and power semiconductors. SPTS is part of KLA Corporation which develops industry-leading equipment and services that enable innovation throughout the electronics industry.

We provide advanced process control and process-enabling solutions for manufacturing wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. In close collaboration with leading customers across the globe, our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers design solutions that move the world forward.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

This role will be based in Celtic Lakes. Our new 237,000-square-foot Newport facility provides additional production and customer collaboration spaces, including 25,000 square feet of R&D clean rooms, 35,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing space and tool demo areas, all designed to support development of semiconductor process technologies across advanced packaging, power devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), radio frequency (RF) and photonics sector technology.

You'll be joining one of our Process and Applications teams covering either our CVD, PVD, or Etch products, providing process support and solutions from our head office in Newport.

This role is part of our 2026 Graduate programme and will start in September 2026.

If you are looking to establish a career in a fast-growing, award-winning, global company with a clearly defined career development path this scheme is for you!

Following our extensive onboarding and introduction program, you will join our Graduate Development program which includes Technical Classroom training, Soft-skills training, Team building, corporate responsibility activities and finally placement across all of our operations and process teams.

It is not required for you to already have the skills and knowledge to perform the role, full on the job training will be provided through our graduate development scheme. You will then be welcomed into your Team and continue your development supported by your KLA mentor!

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Developing and demonstrating our operational processes to meet the agreed manufacturing specifications
• Contributing constructively to the work of our project teams in developing new products that meet the requirements of our global customer for their next generation designs.
• Assessing results using our fully equipped analytical laboratory and software tools including Minitab, Excel etc
• Problem solving, trouble shooting and investigating faults on manufacturing process solutions
• Providing regular updates to the engineering and operations teams on progress of project work, where required summarising results in a written report or presentation.
• Establishing both effective customer and team relationships particularly for clear communication of results and ideas
• Planning your work and executing plans in a safe, sensible and timely manner
• Research into published work relevant to our process development
• Writing technical reports for patent applications and writing technical papers for publication at conferences, seminars etc.

This position will give an opportunity for working some shift patterns to fully utilise our state-of-the-art manufacturing cleanroom. We will seek to give as much notice as possible where shift work is required. KLA will of course provide shift allowance in line with company policy.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Whilst no experience is necessary, in your application and through assessment you'll show us you have:

• A passion for learning and development, continuously seeking for new knowledge and learning opportunities.
• A logical approach to provide internal customer solutions with a good attention to detail and foresight and ability to collect, filter and analyse data to build solutions for sophisticated technological problems
• The ability to think creatively of novel but practical solutions to internal customer problems
• Communication skills - You'll enjoy establishing and maintaining good working relationships with both customers and colleagues.

Your qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree (2:1) in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science.
• Applicants with a Masters or prior experience of studies within the semiconductor industry would be desirable but certainly not a must.
• A good acquaintance with SW tools (MS office, MATLAB) would be advantageous.

What we will offer you?

KLA's benefits package includes: Annual leave starting at 25 days (plus bank holidays), contributory pension scheme, cash health plan, cycle to work scheme, global bonus plan, share scheme, rewards scheme, life assurance.

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

Please note that KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA.