Process Qualification Engineer

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

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

Job Description

Process Startup & Qualification Support of New Installation

• Execute Tier-2 process startup activities for new system installations and technology transfers.
• Support system acceptance testing, process qualification, and customer buy-off milestones.
• Partner with Installation and Field Service teams to ensure a seamless transition from tool installation to volume manufacturing.
• Interface with global Engineering and Div Applications teams to optimize customer process recipes to achieve production readiness and performance targets.
• Provide technical guidance during factory ramp-up and production stabilization activities.

Knowledge Management

• Capture and document test results, lessons learned, Best Known Methods (BKMs), and field best practices.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer between field organizations and product divisions.
• Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance organizational capability and operational efficiency.

Customer Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Provide onsite and remote technical support during startup, qualification, and manufacturing ramp activities.
• Escalate and coordinate technical issues with Product Engineering and Divisional Applications teams as required.
• Work effectively with customers and internal stakeholders to drive issue resolution and project success.
• Support customer training and process knowledge transfer activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
• Academic knowledge or internship experience in semiconductor manufacturing, thin-film processes, plasma etching technologies, or related disciplines is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Customer-oriented mindset and willingness to support field activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 1–2 years of relevant industry experience, or
• Master's degree with 0–1 years of relevant industry experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 50–70% to support customer sites and business needs.
• Flexibility to work in a customer-facing environment and respond to changing business priorities.

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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