Company Overview
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 ICs 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.
Group & Division
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, offering comprehensive service and spare parts support through a worldwide network of service centres and qualified local agents.
Job Description
Working as part of our PVD Samples team, the primary responsibilities of this role will be to develop deposition processes and process customer wafers using PVD demo equipment at our Newport factory. This will involve working on a number of different process module types and a huge range of applications, generating new process recipes to meet customer requirements, as well as hardware testing. Additional responsibilities include supervision of junior engineers, writing technical reports for internal and external use, generating IP submissions and supporting other business units as required. There may also be a requirement to write and review process specifications for customer tools.
This role will also involve advising both SPTS field teams and other members of the Newport team on application development and process tuning, and significant levels of remote customer support activity. There may also be an expectation of the engineer in this position to take on some project‑management tasks, coordinating with other engineering teams.
The position will involve some international travel (10‑20%) and will require continual shift work alternating between early (6am–2pm) and late shift (1.30pm–9.30pm) on a weekly basis with occasional weekend work. The role is based in our Manufacturing Headquarters in Newport, South Wales.
Key Duties
Process Demonstrations
* Work with Product Marketing to tightly define customer demo specifications.
* Run demo tools to demonstrate PVD deposition and ancillary processes to agreed specifications.
* Assess results using analytical equipment and appropriate software packages.
* Undertake problem solving and trouble‑shooting.
* Provide regular updates to product marketing on progress of sample/demonstration work.
* Develop good relationships with Product Marketing, Customers, hardware design and the demo tool maintenance teams.
* Summarise results in written reports and presentations.
Process and Hardware Development
* Develop new processes in line with SPTS yearly roadmaps.
* Plan work and execute plans in a safe, logical and timely manner.
* Work cross‑department to test enhanced hardware.
* Give constructive input to the work of project teams for new products.
* Research published work relevant to SPTS’ process development.
* Write technical reports for patent applications.
* Write technical papers for publication at conferences, seminars, etc.
Field Support
* Develop SPTS processes to meet the agreed specification at customer sites, requiring occasional international travel.
* Provide remote support for customer field critical issues.
* Develop good relationships with local field support teams.
* Coordinate complex responses with co‑workers in other departments.
Qualifications & Experience
We are looking for someone who has industry experience, ideally working with semiconductor processing equipment and substrate metrology, and is educated to Degree/Masters/PhD level (or equivalent experience) in chemistry, physics, or another relevant field.
* A creative and innovative approach to problem‑solving leading to novel but practical solutions.
* The foresight and ability to collect, filter, and analyse data to solve complex problems.
* Good analytical skills including the ability to measure films for thickness, resistance, stress, texture, roughness, reflectivity and cross‑section.
* Good oral and written communication skills.
* The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a small team.
What We Will Offer You?
KLA’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, and a generous shift allowance.
Minimum Qualifications
Educated to Degree/Masters/PhD level (or equivalent experience) in a materials science, physics, or other relevant field.
Equal Opportunity Statement
KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive, family‑friendly total rewards package that reflects our commitment to an inclusive environment while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.
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