Senior Technologist in Semiconductor Deposition Tool Development

Space Forge; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative materials company in Cardiff is seeking an experienced semiconductor tool technologist. In this role, you will lead the development of a semiconductor growth capability for low earth orbit, collaborate with various teams to ensure product viability, and adapt quickly in a fast-moving start-up environment. This position offers flexible hours, comprehensive benefits, and an opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology.

Benefits

Flexitime hours

33 days holiday

Pension scheme at 4% matched

Up to 5 volunteering days

Employee Share Option Plan

Mental health support via Spill

Friendly and motivated team

Enhanced maternity/paternity benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in semiconductor deposition/crystal growth tool development.
• Experience in leading technology projects in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Ability to adapt to fast-paced start-up conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead semiconductor growth capability development in a space context.
• Collaborate with payload development teams for robust product outcomes.
• Partner with semiconductor process teams for co-development goals.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Tools

Semiconductor deposition tools

Job description

Overview

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture semiconductor seed wafers that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to use these seeds to provide high quality wide and ultra-wide bandgap substrates for next generation power, communication and quantum applications. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar®.

Core to our capability is the development of a bespoke semiconductor growth tool that pushes the boundaries of size, weight and power within a space payload. We already have demonstrated pilot proof of concept and space heritage within a satellite, and are now looking to take that to full demonstration and exploitation.

We are looking for an experienced semiconductor tool technologist to join our team of space system engineers and semiconductor growth experts to drive our in-space hardware development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a semiconductor growth capability that can operate within the size, weight and power constraints of low earth orbit.
• Work hand-in-hand with the payload development team to ensure that we have a robust product capable of working on several in-space platforms
• Work with our semiconductor process development team based in CISM in Swansea University in the co-development of the tool and the growth process.

Requirements

• To be able to clearly communicate the needs and challenges of semiconductor tool development within a broad multi-disciplinary development environment
• To define and deliver practical solutions for a flexible in-space semiconductor growth tool – pushing the boundaries of the field.
• To work in a fast-moving, highly innovative start-up environment.

Experience

• Extensive experience in the semiconductor industry with a focus on semiconductor deposition/crystal growth tool development and manufacturing.
• Experience of leading and driving teams in the delivery of complex technology projects.
• Experience of working in complex multi-stakeholder environments.

Why Space Forge?

Space Forge has already demonstrated proof of concept of a semiconductor growth tool in orbit though our latest mission ForgeStar-1: The Forge Awakens. Through the development of a conventional terrestrial growth capability, we are working with companies ranging from Northrop Grumman to BT to develop routes to market for the materials we grow. We recently completed our Series A fundraise of £22.6M that was led by the NATO Innovation Fund and have set up a new office in Portugal alongside our offices in Cardiff, Swansea, and Florida.

Benefits

• Flexitime hours - 40 to be worked across Monday-Sunday as fits both your needs and the needs of the role
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) so you can own part of our journey
• Mental health support via Spill — all-in-one mental health platform offering anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team
• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.

Interview process

1. 45-minute Culture and Values video call interview with 2 members of our team
2. 60-minute Skills video call interview related to specific needs of the role with 2 members of the team you'll be most closely working with