Process Technician _ Metal deposition & Wafer thinning (Contractor)

Huawei Technologies Research & Development (UK) Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Huawei Research and Development UK Limited is seeking a Process Engineering Technician to join the Fab Engineering team. The role focuses on processing semiconductor wafers, supporting metal deposition and wafer thinning, and delivering robust, stable processes for R&D projects and high-volume manufacturing.

The position is primarily cleanroom-based, with hands-on operation across equipment and processes, plus some support in adjacent cells. Two rotating shifts, 37.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Good manual dexterity for handling semiconductor wafers and samples.
• Science-based education background or relevant previous experience in Cleanroom or Lab environments.
• Knowledge and experience of SPC processes and Six Sigma techniques.
• Working knowledge of MES and general office and data software – e.g., MS Word, Excel.

Responsibilities

• Run day-to-day operations on metal deposition and wafer thinning equipment.
• Process R&D and manufacturing wafers following guidance from Engineers and Architects.
• Serve as main contact between Cell Engineers and Maintenance, providing hands-on support for preventive maintenance and tool upkeep.
• Manage SPC data collection by ensuring test materials are ready and routine checks are completed on time.
• Bridge communication between Manufacturing and Process Engineering when tool/process faults occur to minimise downtime.
• Assist in returning tools and processes to production after maintenance or downtime.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Cleanroom/Lab experience

SPC & Six Sigma knowledge

MS Word/Excel proficiency

Education

Science-based education background

Tools

MES

MS Word

Excel

Job description

About Huawei Research and Development UK Limited

Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and operate in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.

Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

This spirit of innovation has led Huawei to work in close partnership with leading academic institutions in the UK to develop and refine the latest technologies. With a shared commitment to innovation and progress, both parties have worked together to achieve common goals and establish a strong partnership. The partnership between UK and Huawei help to develop the technologies of the future that will transform the way we all communicate, work and live.

For the past 30 years we have maintained an unwavering focus, rejecting shortcuts and easy opportunities that don't align with our core business. With a practical approach to everything we do, we concentrate our efforts and invest patiently to drive technological breakthroughs.

This strategic focus is a reflection of our core values:

• Staying customer-centric,

• Inspiring dedication,

• Persevering,

• Growing by reflection.

Huawei Research and Development UK Limited Overview

Huawei’s vision is a fully connected, intelligent world. To achieve this, we work to inspire passion for basic research around the world. Our combined passion drives development across the global innovation value chain. Huawei has the largest Research and Development organization in the world with 96,000+ employees in research centers around the globe. In the UK, we already have design centers in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh and Ipswich. We continue to explore and define new research directions and new services. We have expanded our collaborations with academic researchers; researched new network architectures, integration of communications and key enabling technologies; and developed the fundamental theories of these technologies. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey and drive your career forward.

Job Summary

• As a Process Engineering Technician, you will join our Fab Engineering team to process semiconductor wafers and support Metal deposition and Wafer Thinning area in delivering robust, stable processes for ongoing R&D projects, Process Architects, and high-volume manufacturing.

• This role is primarily cleanroom-based, involving hands‑on operation and development across all equipment and processes within the Metal deposition and wafer Thinning area, with occasional support in adjacent process cells.

Working Pattern

2 Shifts Based, Rotating weekly
Monday to Friday, Total 37.5 hours per week

Shift One 07:00 – 15:00
Shift Two 11:00 – 19:00

Key Responsibilities:

• Run day-to-day operations on metal deposition and wafer thinning equipment.

• Process R&D and manufacturing wafers following guidance from Engineers and Architects.

• Serve as the main contact between Cell Engineers and Maintenance team, providing hands‑on support for preventive maintenance, chamber cleans, and tool upkeep.

• Manage SPC data collection by ensuring test materials are ready and routine checks are completed on time.

• Bridge communication between Manufacturing and Process Engineering when tool or process faults occur to keep downtime to a minimum.

• Help the team smoothly return tools and processes to production following maintenance or downtime.

• Coordinate with other area of the fabs to ensure material entering and leaving the Metallization and Thinning area meets quality standards.

• Assist Process Engineers in drafting and updating practical documentation, including Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) and related documents.

• Drive recipe control by keeping process recipes accurate, updated, and ready for manufacturing use.

• Train operators on tools and process procedures whenever required.

• Support Process Engineers with process optimization, new process development, and tool commissioning.

• Actively participate in 7S and continuous improvement activities on the shop floor.

• Carry out additional ad-hoc engineering support tasks as requested by the team.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of Huawei Research and Development UK Limited.

Person Specification:

Required:

• Good manual dexterity for handling semiconductor wafers and samples.

• Science based education background or relevent previous experience in Cleanroom or Lab environments

• Knowledge and experience of SPC processes and six sigma techniques.

• Working knowledge of MES and general office and data software – eg, MS Word, Excel.

Desired:

• Minimum of 1 year’s hands‑on Fab experience in the following processes – metal deposition (PVD, sputtering and electroplating), etching and mechanical thinning of wafers.

• Experience in running experiments in a scientific environment, collating and presenting results.

• Good working knowledge of semiconductor materials and processes.

Personal Attributes:

• Able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines – level headed, calm and considered.

• Proactive team player who is also capable of working independently.

• Positive attitude in working & learning and actively seeks to share ideas and information with colleagues.

• Attention to details.

• Proven ability to work under own initiative, and to seek advice when required.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Flexible approach to working – work the hours to do the job.

• Supportive of the company culture and ethos.