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 responsibility of this role is to develop plasma etch processes and process customer wafers using demonstration equipment. The successful candidate will document and report on all work completed following sample processing activities.

The role involves working across a variety of process modules, developing new process recipes to meet customer requirements across the full range of technologies supported by SPTS. There will also be opportunities to contribute to hardware testing and development activities as required.

Additional responsibilities include providing technical support to customers, writing technical reports for both internal and external audiences, generating intellectual property (IP) submissions, and supporting other business units where needed.

This position will involve some international travel (subject to business requirements and global conditions) and occasional shift work.

Key Responsibilities

Process Demonstrations

• Demonstrate plasma etch processes in line with agreed specifications.
• Evaluate process results using analytical equipment and relevant software tools.
• Perform problem-solving and troubleshooting activities.
• Provide regular progress updates on sample and demonstration work to the Product Marketing team.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with customers.
• Summarise and communicate results through technical reports, presentations, and customer updates.

Process Development

• Develop plasma etch processes aligned with SPTS product capabilities and customer requirements.
• Plan and execute work safely, efficiently, and within agreed timescales.
• Utilise a range of endpoint detection techniques to optimise process control.
• Conduct marathon and reliability testing for new processes and equipment.
• Contribute to cross-functional project teams developing new products and process technologies.
• Prepare technical documentation to support patent applications, publications, and conference presentations.

Field Support

• Develop and optimise SPTS processes at customer sites to meet agreed performance specifications.
• Establish, develop, and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to customers as required.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using metrology techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Knowledge of endpoint detection techniques, with hands-on experience desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across teams.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.

What we will offer you?

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

Minimum Qualifications

A BSc/BEng in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.

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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