Senior 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

This role is accountable for the development and optimisation of plasma processes to achieve defined performance, quality, and yield objectives. Working within multidisciplinary teams, the role applies scientific and engineering principles to resolve technical challenges, enhance process capability, and support new product development and customer requirements.

As part of the plasma dicing team, the primary responsibilities of this position include developing plasma etch processes, processing customer wafers using etch demonstration equipment, and documenting the completed sample processing activities.

Additional responsibilities include providing customer technical support, preparing technical reports for internal and external stakeholders, generating intellectual property submissions, and supporting other business units as required.
 

This position will involve some international travel (subject to business requirements) to support customer installations and development activities. Occasional shift work may also be required.

Key Responsibilities

Process Demonstrations

• Develop and demonstrate plasma etch processes to meet agreed specifications.

• Assess results using analytical equipment and relevant software tools.

• Perform process troubleshooting and root cause analysis.

• Provide regular updates to Product Management on demonstration and sample work.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with customers and the global KLA support network.

• Summarise findings through technical reports and presentations.

Process Development

• Develop and optimise processes across SPTS product platforms.

• Plan and execute work safely, efficiently, and to agreed timescales.

• Utilise endpoint detection techniques to enhance process control and performance.

• Conduct long-duration testing for new processes and equipment.

• Contribute to cross-functional projects supporting new products and technologies.

• Prepare technical reports to support patent applications, publications, and conferences.

Field Support

• Develop and optimise SPTS processes to meet customer requirements at customer sites.

• Provide factory-based technical support to field teams and customers.

• Establish and maintain strong customer relationships through effective technical support.

Key Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience of plasma etch processing within a semiconductor environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with semiconductor metrology techniques.

• SEM experience would be advantageous, although training can be provided.

• Knowledge and practical experience of endpoint detection techniques.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Share scheme

• Contributory pension scheme

• Cash health plan

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Global bonus plan

• Employee rewards scheme

• Life assurance

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD, Master's degree, or Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, together with relevant industrial experience. Candidates with equivalent qualifications and hands-on semiconductor process engineering experience are also encouraged to apply.

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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