Etch Process Engineer

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.

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 several different process module types, generating new process recipes to meet the customer requirements, as well as an element of Hardware testing. Additional responsibilities will include writing technical reports for both internal and external use, generating IP submissions and supporting other Business units as required!

This position will involve some international travel.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:Process Demonstrations

• Demonstrate plasma etch processes to meet the agreed specification.
• Assess results using analytical equipment and appropriate software packages.
• Undertake problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Provide the product marketing department with regular updates on the progress of sample / demonstration work.
• Effectively communicate and develop good relationships with customers.
• Summarise results in a written report or presentation.

Process Development

• Develop processes in line with SPTS products.
• Plan work and complete plans in a safe and timely manner
• Utilise various end-pointing techniques to improve process control.
• Run marathon tests for new processes and equipment.
• Contribute constructively to the work of project teams for new products and processes.
• Summarise results in a written report or presentation.
• Write technical reports for patent applications and conferences.

Field Support

• Develop SPTS processes to meet the agreed specification at customer sites
• Develop good customer relationships

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants will ideally be educated to Degree/Masters/PhD level in either a chemistry or  physics  discipline. Alternatively, applicants will have relevant experience of working with DRIE plasma etch equipment.

The successful candidate will have:

• Good analytical skills including the ability to carry out metrology such as SEM

• 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

What we will offer you?

SPTS’s benefits package includes:

Annual leave starting at 25 days (plus bank holidays), contributory pension scheme, cash health plan, cycle to work scheme, global bonus plan, share scheme, rewards scheme, life assurance, generous shift allowance.

Minimum Qualifications

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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