Senior Semiconductor Process Engineer

IQE; Newport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

IQE, a leading compound semiconductor wafer supplier, seeks a Senior InP Process Engineer to optimize MOCVD/MBE reactors, improve yield, and ensure product quality. The role emphasizes process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting.

The candidate will monitor reactor metrics, record processes in MES, and contribute to data-driven decision making, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in Process Engineering in manufacturing settings.
• Proficiency with SPC and recipe editing is preferred.
• Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimize semiconductor reactors (MOCVD, MBE) to meet specs and targets.
• Develop growth and process recipes for production in line with customer specs.
• Adjust parameters to ensure product meets specifications and monitor reactor health.
• Record activities in MES for traceability and generate technical reports.
• Support corrective actions, root cause investigations, and layer in improvements.

Skills

Process engineering

SPC knowledge

Data-driven problem solving

Communication skills

Independent working

Tools

MES software

SPC tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

IQE is a leading global supplier of compound semiconductor wafers and advanced materials. As one of the only compound semiconductor epitaxy foundries with worldwide presence and scalable manufacturing, IQE drives technology growth. Our vision is to be the top provider of advanced semiconductor materials by delivering exceptional quality, service, and innovation, making us the first choice for customers. Our strength comes from our diverse, expert workforce and a culture built on integrity, accountability, excellence, teamwork, and valuing people.

At IQE, we are committed to reaching Net Zero and creating a sustainable future. We actively strive to reduce our carbon footprint, invest in green initiatives, and embed sustainability into everything we do. Join us in driving meaningful change and making a lasting impact on the environment.

About the role

The Senior InP Process Engineer is responsible for knowledge of Semiconductor process and product interactions with efficient and reliable operation of Semiconductor epitaxial reactors (MOCVD, MBE), ensuring high product quality, production yield, and equipment uptime. This role mainly supports both Production activities, including process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Main Responsibilities.

• Support for the operation and performance of Semiconductor reactors (MOCVD, MBE) to meet product specifications and output targets.
• Assists in generating growth and process recipes for production and calibration activities aligned with customer specs and engineering guidelines.
• Adjust process parameters to ensure product meets specifications.
• Monitor critical reactor parameters and material outputs for consistency and quality.
• Monitor and chart reactor performance using statistical process control (SPC) methods in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Interpret process metrics and reactor health parameters.
• Support corrective/preventive actions, problem solving, failure analysis, process qualification, and root cause investigations with supervision.
• Coordinates reactor scheduling activities to meet production targets efficiently.
• Ensure Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software is managed to control Process Engineering activities, and accurately record all works carried out for traceability.
• Supports the creation of technical reports that are shared internally and externally with clarity using supporting data.
• Analyse data from the suite of characterisation tools internally along with external results to guide process control.
• Use computerized tools and software to follow process and routine tasks, accurately recording all works carried out for traceability and within the scope of the role.
• Have basic experience and competence with troubleshooting
• Perform other functions and duties as required.

About you

• Professional attitude.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while thriving in a team environment.
• Has a commitment to product and process quality.
• Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and consistency.
• Has technical analytical skills.
• Supports continuous improvement of the processes and practices of Process Engineering.
• Good problem-solving skills with an analytical mindset and ability to use data-driven methods to support issues resolution.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, effective in shift handovers and reporting.
• Good understanding and knowledge of Semiconductor reactors (MOCVD, MBE) or other semiconductor growth technologies.

Experience Requirements:

• Comprehensive experience in Process Engineering or equivalent manufacturing field.
• 5+ Years experience in Process Engineering or equivalent combination of education, experience and/or knowledge is desirable.
• Reactor (MOCVD, MBE) process knowledge preferred.
• Experience with SPC and recipe editing is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of InP
• Experience with reactor maintenance is a plus.