Principal Process Engineer, Etch

KLA Corporation; Newport; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Share scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Cash health plan

Cycle to work

Global bonus plan

Life assurance

Job summary

KLA Corporation in Newport, United Kingdom, is seeking a Principal Process Engineer to lead advanced etch process development, optimization and control. You will apply physics-based and computational models to accelerate technology, mentor engineers and partner with cross-functional teams.

The role demands hands-on plasma etch experience, strong data analytics, and a track record of delivering robust manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related field.
• Hands-on experience with plasma etch equipment and SEM metrology.
• Strong data-driven analytical skills and DOE/statistical analysis.
• Experience with semiconductor processes and plasma modelling.
• Excellent communication across technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and qualification of advanced plasma process technologies.
• Drive process optimization to meet customer specifications.
• Develop and validate simulation models for complex engineering systems.
• Perform CFD, plasma, thermal, electromagnetic, or multi-physics modelling.
• Analyse simulation results and correlate with experimental data.
• Lead root cause analysis for reliability issues.

Skills

Plasma etch

DOE

CFD

Multiphysics modelling

COMSOL

ANSYS

Python

Data analysis

Leadership

Customer interface

Semiconductor equipment

Education

MSc/PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or related

Tools

COMSOL

ANSYS

MATLAB/Simulink

OpenFOAM

Python

Job description

The Principal Process Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for the development, optimization, and control of advanced etch processes. This role drives innovation, resolves complex technical challenges, and ensures robust production performance. In addition, this role will have a simulation & modelling element; to apply physics-based and computational models that accelerate product development and technology innovation. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges, optimise system performance, and provide data-driven insights that guide design decisions,

• Lead development and qualification of advanced plasma process technologies.
• Drive process optimization to meet customer specifications.
• Develop and validate simulation models for complex engineering systems.
• Perform CFD, plasma, thermal, electromagnetic, or multi-physics modelling.
• Analyse simulation results and correlate with experimental data.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for reliability issues.
• Mentor engineers and define best practices.
• Interface with customers for demos, qualifications, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, NPI and manufacturing.
• Liaise with fields teams to ensure successful transfer of processes to field.
• Establish process control strategies and SPC framework.
• Lead in key PLC etch projects.
• Deliver on etch roadmap targets.
• Research published work relevant to KLA's process development
• Write invention disclosures/patent applications
• Write technical papers for publication at conferences, seminars etc.
• Communicate results and ideas to management, co-workers, and other teams across the business.
• Experience with semiconductor equipment hardware and process interactions.
• Experience with simulation and modelling tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, OpenFOAM, or Python.
• Experience with semiconductor processes, plasma modelling, CFD, or digital twins is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge and utllisation of DOE and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity in failure analysis and defect characterization.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capability.
• Excellent communication across technical and executive audiences.
• Results driven with strong ownership and accountability.
• Hands-on experience on plasma etch equipment and metrology such as SEM
• Excellent time-management / multi-tasking skills to deliver results within strictly defined timelines
• Endpoint methods/OES experience
• Experience in DOE, 8D, process optimization.
• Experience in Process simulation COMSOL, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink, OpenFOAM, or Python would be an advantage., Ideally hold a MSc/PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field, PhD preferred or hold equivalent level of experience. To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale-faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.
• Group/Division The Semiconductor Products and Customers (Semi PC) business unit designs, builds and sells KLA's product portfolio to help chip manufacturers meet high-quality standards for technologies like AI, data centers, automotive and electronic devices. Our inspection, metrology, and analytics systems detect and monitor defects across logic and memory chips, specialty semiconductors, wafers, reticles, advanced packaging, process equipment and materials. We also develop technologies for specialty processes, IC substrates, and PCB manufacturing, including etch and deposition, component inspection, and imaging and analytics. The SPTS division provides advanced wafer processing solutions-including etch, deposition and vapor-based technologies-designed for R&D through high-volume production. With a global presence and strong customer support network, SPTS helps manufacturers across industries improve performance, yield and cost-efficiency. It also offers comprehensive service and spare parts through a worldwide network of service centers and qualified local agents.
• 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, 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.