Thin Film Scientist / Engineer

Seagate Technology; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Derry/Londonderry is seeking a Thin Film Scientist/Engineer to manage vacuum deposition processes and optimize recording head performance. Ideal candidates will have a strong STEM background and a PhD in related fields, along with skills in process control. The role offers opportunities to work in a cutting-edge technology environment with flexible working conditions.

Benefits

Health Benefits

Annual leave

Flexible working hours

On-site gym

Employee Resource Groups

Qualifications

• Strong academic foundation in STEM with extensive material knowledge.
• Experience with thin film fabrication and characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of optical/photonic materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple vacuum thin film deposition or etch processes.
• Set up processes according to wafer performance specifications.
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) for process management.
• Define and carry out process optimization projects.

Skills

Strong STEM academic background

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a cross-functional team

Education

PhD in Physics, Material Science, Chemistry or similar

Tools

Optical/photonic material fabrication techniques

Job description

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Thin Film Scientist / Engineer

Location: Derry/Londonderry, GB

Job ID: 13269

About our group:

From the videos, music and documents we share with friends and family on social networks, to the servers that form the backbone of enterprise data centers and cloud-based computing, to the desktop and notebook computers that fuel our personal productivity, Seagate products help more people store, share, and protect their valuable digital content. With 97% of the world’s information being stored on hard drives, the rapid growth of digital data makes Seagate more important every day. As an industry leader, Seagate provides unique career opportunities to be part of today’s major technology shifts. We can be found around the globe and at www.seagate.com .

Seagate’s Springtown facility in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland is among the most advanced in the world in the design, development, and volume manufacturing of recording heads. Are you technically curious with an innovative mind and skills that go beyond pure academic ability? Could you drive change and make a difference? If so, don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a world leader in the facility that produces 25% of the world’s recording heads.

Thin Film Scientist/Engineer (REF 13269)

Located at the Seagate Springtown facility in Northern Ireland, this role involves working within the Vacuum Deposition and Etch department, part of the wider wafer Process Engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering world-leading technology for recording head wafer manufacturing processes. This includes process control, development, and optimization to improve recording head performance and yield, as well as providing support for a 24 x 7 production environment.

About the role - you will:

• Be responsible for multiple vacuum thin film deposition or etch processes within the Vacuum Engineering department.
• Set up and control processes according to wafer performance specifications.
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) and establish rules and procedures for reacting to out-of-control situations.
• Define and carry out process innovation and optimization projects aimed at improving recording head performance and yield.

About you:

• Strong STEM academic background with extensive material knowledge.
• Strong analytical skills and proven problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Your experience includes:

• Recently graduated from, or in the final stage of, a PhD degree in Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, or other similar disciplines, with relevant research experience.
• Equivalent research experience with thin film fabrication and characterization techniques.
• Knowledge and experience of optical/photonic material fabrication and characterization.

You may also have:

• Experience and knowledge of nanotechnology and wafer fabrication.
• Knowledge and experience in data analytical techniques.

“This role does not meet the criteria set by the Home Office for sponsorship on a Skilled Worker Visa as such sponsorship of this visa cannot be offered.”

Please note that you must demonstrate in the application how you meet the criteria for the role as identified above. To facilitate shortlisting, the company reserves the right to apply enhanced criteria.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than Sunday, 14th December 2025

At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. To see all vacancies that Seagate has available, please sign up – Register your interest in career updates with our Talent Network and to be considered for future opportunities.

Seagate Technology is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of sex, marital status, religious affiliation, age, disability, or ethnic origin. The Company specifically welcomes applications from the protestant community who are currently underrepresented in this job category. All applications will be considered strictly on merit.

Location:

Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Our Springtown site in Derry/Londonderry is one of the largest manufacturers in the area and we’re proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work. We have more than 1,400 employees spanning research and development, manufacturing, and other functions.

Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at our subsidized on-site cafe.

Looking for an active break from your workday? We’ve got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on-site gym.

Network with your colleagues through the Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), Volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class!

Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee-led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate!

See list below of many of our Company Benefits:

• Health – Private Healthcare, for employees and dependents, Company sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, Group income protection and On-site gym/ exercise classes / personal trainer.
• Work Life Balance – Annual leave, Flexible working hours, Part-time working, Enhanced maternity pay, Enhanced paternity pay, Bereavement leave.
• Finance – Pension – employer contributory scheme, Life assurance, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Company bonus scheme, Reward and recognition, Employee savings scheme, Perks at work discount programmes, Pay for civil / jury duty.
• Career – Degree / non degree assistance Externally accredited training and development opportunities, Service awards, LinkedIn learning, Learning & development programmes.

Location: Springtown, United Kingdom
Travel: None

About Us

With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever-expanding data landscape.

We craft precision-engineered, cutting-edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth.

Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike.

Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!

Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. EEO Know Your Rights Poster

Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days.

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