Senior Etch Process Engineer

KLA; Newport; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave starting at 25 days

Share scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Cash health plan

Cycle to work scheme

Global bonus plan

Rewards scheme

Life assurance

Job summary

KLA in Newport, UK is seeking a candidate to develop plasma etch processes as part of the Etch Samples team. Key responsibilities include demonstrating processes, providing technical support to customers, and creating reports. The ideal applicant will have a PhD in a relevant field or equivalent experience in the semiconductor industry. The position offers a competitive rewards package, work commitments globally, and opportunities to support hardware testing and customer interactions.

Qualifications

• PhD level education in a science discipline or direct experience in plasma etch processing.
• Good analytical skills and communication abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop plasma etch processes and document the work.
• Provide technical support and write reports for customers.
• Demonstrate processes and assess results using analytical techniques.

Skills

Good analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Doctorate (Academic) Degree or Masters

Tools

SEM

Analytical equipment

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

Working as part of our Etch Samples team, the primary responsibilities of this role will be to develop plasma etch processes and process customer wafers using etch demo equipment, documenting the work following completion of the sample processing. This will involve working on a number of different process module types, generating new process recipes to meet customer requirements across all the technologies in which SPTS offer solutions, as well as occasionally supporting hardware testing & development. Additional responsibilities will include customer technical support, writing technical reports for both internal and external use, generating IP submissions and supporting other business units as required. This position will involve some level of international travel (global conditions permitting) in support of customer install activities and occasional shift work may be expected.

Key Responsibilities

Process Demonstrations

• Demonstrate plasma etch processes to meet the agreed specification
• Assess results using analytical equipment and appropriate software packages
• Undertake problem solving and trouble‑shooting
• Provide the product management department with regular updates on the progress of sample/demonstration work
• Effectively communicate and develop good relationships with customers and the global KLA customer support network
• Summarise results in written reports and presentations

Process Development

• Develop processes in line with SPTS products
• Plan work and execute plans in a safe and timely manner
• Utilise various endpoint techniques to enhance process control
• Run marathon tests for new processes and equipment
• Contribute constructively to the work of project teams for new products and processes
• Write technical reports for patent applications and conferences

Field Support

• Develop SPTS processes to meet the agreed specification at customer sites
• Provide factory based Email support to field teams and customers on process queries
• Establish and maintain good customer relationships

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants will ideally be educated to PhD level in a science discipline although applications are welcome from any candidate with direct experience of plasma etch processing in a semiconductor environment regardless of educational level. Candidates with a high level of relevant experience may be eligible to enter at senior grade.

The successful candidate will have:

• Good analytical skills including some experience of relevant metrology
• SEM skills and advantage but training will be given
• Knowledge of and ideally experience of using end point techniques
• Good communication skills
• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a small team
• Good time management

What we will offer you?

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree or Masters and related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree or lower qualifications levels with relevant experience.

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.

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