Senior Process Engineer

SoCode Limited; Great Stukeley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established technology manufacturer in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to enhance manufacturing processes, specifically in wafer processing and MEMS. You'll lead efforts in optimising production lines, implementing new equipment, and mentoring junior engineers. The ideal candidate should have a relevant engineering degree and hands-on experience in semiconductors. This role offers an opportunity to influence production quality and efficiency significantly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Proven hands-on experience in manufacturing, especially with wafer processing.
• Strong track record of process improvements in production.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimise, and validate manufacturing processes.
• Lead process development for new products.
• Improve existing production line performance.

Skills

Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment

Experience with wafer-level processes

Knowledge of semiconductor processes

Problem-solving skills

Experience in cleanroom environments

Education

Relevant degree in Engineering or Physics

Tools

Data analysis tools

Inspection tools like SEM

Job description

Socode are working with a well‑established technology manufacturer that designs and builds highly precise, advanced products used around the world. As their production and new product pipeline continue to grow, they're looking to add an experienced Senior Process Engineer to their manufacturing team.

What will you be doing?

You’ll take the lead on developing, improving, and supporting complex manufacturing processes, with a strong focus on wafer processing, MEMS, and microfabrication. Your role will cover both keeping existing production lines running at a high level and helping new products move smoothly from development into full‑scale manufacture.

Day to day, you’ll be solving real production problems, reducing process variation, improving yields, and putting strong controls in place to keep quality high. You’ll also be involved in introducing new equipment, validating new processes, and driving continuous improvement across the factory.

You’ll work closely with production, equipment, and engineering teams, acting as a senior technical voice within the business. You’ll mentor junior engineers, influence technical decisions, and have a direct impact on quality, cost, and delivery performance.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, optimise, and validate advanced manufacturing processes, particularly within wafer processing and MEMS
• Support and continuously improve existing production lines
• Lead process development for new product introductions from early trials through to volume manufacture
• Put effective in‑process controls in place to reduce variation and improve capability
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions on manufacturing issues
• Identify and deliver cost, yield, and efficiency improvements
• Assess, implement, and validate changes to existing processes
• Support the introduction and qualification of new manufacturing equipment
• Use data and SPC to monitor performance and drive decisions
• Work closely with production and equipment teams to resolve issues quickly
• Coach and support junior engineers
• Maintain strong standards around safety, quality, and cleanroom working

We’re looking for:

• A relevant degree in Engineering, Physics, or a similar technical field
• Real hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment working with wafer‑level, MEMS, or microfabrication processes
• A strong track record of improving and stabilising production processes
• Practical knowledge of core semiconductor processes such as lithography, etching, thin film deposition, and wafer bonding
• Experience working in controlled cleanroom environments
• Confidence using inspection and measurement tools such as SEM, microscopy, or optical metrology
• Evidence of using data, SPC, and root cause analysis to drive yield and quality improvements
• Experience supporting both new product introductions and established production lines
• Comfortable working autonomously while also supporting and guiding other engineers
• A practical, logical problem‑solver who is happy being hands‑on where needed

Nice to have:

• Experience designing simple tooling or fixtures using CAD
• Skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar for process data analysis
• Formal continuous improvement training such as Six Sigma