Hardware Engineer, PVD

KLA; Newport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave starting at 25 days

Contributory pension scheme

Cash health plan

Global bonus plan

Life assurance

Job summary

KLA is seeking a talented PVD Hardware Engineer in Newport, UK to develop next-generation Physical Vapour Deposition equipment. This role involves integrating, testing, and optimizing complex semiconductor process equipment hardware, providing an exciting opportunity for engineers who relish hands-on technical challenges.

Your responsibilities will include maintaining and improving PVD equipment, supporting installation, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. KLA offers a supportive environment with excellent career development opportunities and benefits.

Qualifications

• Design, build, test or support semiconductor process equipment.
• Operate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Apply analytical skills to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve PVD semiconductor process equipment.
• Support hardware testing and validation.
• Troubleshoot complex equipment issues.

Skills

Hands-on engineering skills

Troubleshooting skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

HNC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

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.

Group / Division

SPTS wafer processing solutions include market‑leading silicon etch, dielectric etch, dry‑release etch, PVD, PECVD and molecular vapor deposition (MVD), available with a range of wafer‑handling options applicable to R&D, pilot production or volume production environments. SPTS is headquartered and has its main manufacturing facility in Newport, UK, with additional manufacturing in Allentown, Pennsylvania. SPTS operates across 19 countries in Europe, North America and Asia‑Pacific, and offers comprehensive service and spare parts support through a worldwide network of service centers and qualified local agents.

Job Description / Preferred Qualifications

About the Role: KLA is seeking a talented and motivated PVD Hardware Engineer to join our PVD Hardware team developing next‑generation Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) capital equipment. As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for the integration, testing, and optimisation of complex semiconductor process equipment hardware. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build, commission, and improve advanced PVD platforms used in high‑performance chip manufacturing. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on technical challenges, working with cutting‑edge equipment, and driving hardware solutions from concept through to production readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, develop, and improve PVD semiconductor process equipment hardware.
• Support the build, installation, and commissioning of prototype and existing PVD systems.
• Plan and execute hardware testing, validation, and performance characterisation.
• Troubleshoot complex equipment issues and identify root causes.
• Work with process engineers to optimise hardware performance for reliability and process capability.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation including specifications, drawings, test plans and reports.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams on improvement activities.
• Support technology development programmes from early concept through to customer‑ready systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• HNC in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (or a related discipline) or hold equivalent level of qualification.
• Experience designing, building, testing, or supporting semiconductor process equipment or complex industrial systems.
• Strong hands‑on engineering and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Analytical skills with a structured approach to problem solving.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment platforms.
• Knowledge of high‑vacuum systems and RF power delivery.
• Experience with CAD tools and engineering drawings.

Additional Information

• Travel up to 40% with the ability to be flexible for domestic and international travel based on business needs.
• We support early‑career development through structured onboarding, mentoring, and learning opportunities.

Benefits

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.

Minimum Qualifications

HNC in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (or a related discipline) or hold equivalent level of qualification.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.