Senior Epitaxy Equipment Engineer

Beautiful Recruitment; Silverstone; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northamptonshire-based role seeking an experienced Epitaxy Equipment Engineer to support advanced semiconductor manufacturing. You will provide technical guidance to equipment engineers and technicians, contribute to continuous improvement, and work with specialist process gas systems.

The role involves MOVPE-related activities, downtime reduction, safe handling of gases, and collaboration with maintenance and production teams to ensure smooth operations in a cleanroom environment.

Qualifications

• HNC or Degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or equivalent time-served apprenticeship.
• 5+ years of experience within a Wafer Fab or Epitaxy Engineering environment.
• Electrical qualifications such as BS7671 18th edition would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Daily maintenance planning in coordination with Manufacturing and Process teams.
• Equipment improvements, upgrades and assistance with installations.
• Provide input to new tool procurement, commissioning and release to process.
• Work on MOVPE and related equipment to minimise downtime during production, including phosphorous-trap and gas cylinder changes with SCBA training as needed.
• Oversee chemical, gases and spare parts control, chemical fills and waste management.
• Provide technical direction to Shift Technicians regarding procedures, safety and best practice.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Vacuum systems

MOVPE/MOCVD

Semiconductor manufacturing

Schematics reading

Hazardous gases handling

PLC operation

Microsoft Office

Education

HNC or Degree in electrical/mechanical engineering

Tools

Aixtron MOVPE reactors

MOCVD

Microsoft Office

SCBA operation

Job description

Our client is a global leader in optical and photonic technology, developing innovative products that power optical networking and advanced laser applications worldwide. Their optical components and subsystems are integral to telecoms, enterprise networks and data centres, while their commercial laser technology enables cutting-edge manufacturing processes and next-generation applications, including advanced 3D sensing. Headquartered in San Jose, California, they have an extensive international presence spanning R&D, manufacturing and sales.

Location: Northamptonshire

The Role: Senior Epitaxy Equipment Engineer

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Epitaxy Equipment Engineer to join the Northamptonshire team and play a key role in supporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing operations. You will provide technical and engineering support to Epitaxy Equipment Engineers and Technicians, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, production support, equipment fault-finding and repairs. The role will also involve working with specialist process gas systems and, where required, the safe use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

Key Responsibilities

• Daily maintenance planning, co-ordinating with Manufacturing and Process teams.
• Equipment improvements, upgrades and assistance with installations
• Providing technical input to new tool procurement, commissioning and release to process.
• Working on MOVPE and associated equipment to minimise downtime during production. This will include include phosphorous-trap and gas cylinder changes using self-contained breathing apparatus SCBA (training will be provided as necessary; must be clean-shaven).
• Forklift truck driving (training will be provided).
• Oversee chemical, gases and spare parts control, chemical fills and waste management.
• Provide technical direction and instruction to Shift Technicians regarding procedures, safety and best practice.
• Assist with logistics projects, e.g. equipment relocation, cleanroom reorganisation, shipping, etc.
• Assist with shutdown activities (some weekend overtime may be required).
• Liaise with equipment and spares suppliers and specialist service providers (including the supervision of external contractors and field service engineers).
• Developing and delivering preventative maintenance strategies to maximise equipment utilisation and up-time.
• Adhere to all site safety and environmental procedures.
• Support the site emergency response function.

Key Relationships

• Epitaxy Process Engineering Team
• Manufacturing Operations Team
• Site Facilities Team

Qualifications

• An HNC or Degree in an electrical/mechanical engineering discipline or equivalent time-served apprenticeship.
• 5 years of experience within a Wafer Fab or Epitaxy Engineering environment.
• Electrical qualifications such as BS7671 18th edition would be an advantage.

Skills

• Electrical engineering experience to include low and high-voltage work.
• Comprehensive Semiconductor Engineering experience (Minimum 5 years) including MOVPE and/or MOCVD.
• Experience in a fast-paced semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Excellent knowledge of vacuum systems including Hi-Vac principles, pumps and leak-checking, pneumatic systems and the operation & use of PLCs.
• Ability to read and quickly understand equipment wiring and mechanical schematics.
• Familiar and comfortable with the use of hazardous process gases.
• Competent Microsoft Office user.
• Previous experience with Aixtron MOVPE reactors or any other CVD equipment.
• Semiconductor Process Gas experience including mass flow controllers.
• Previous experience with Dry Abatement systems.

Other Requirements

• Day Shift 08:00 - 16:00
• Working within a cleanroom environment with the prerequisite use of cleanroom clothing.
• Contactable for advice or call-out should the occasion arise.
• Requirement to wear (SCBA) self-contained breathing apparatus. This will require the candidate to be clean-shaven.
• Excellent standard of written and spoken English is essential.
• Eligible to work in the UK.