Senior Etch Process Engineer

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 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.

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 support customer wafer processing using etch demonstration equipment, documenting and reporting results upon completion. The role involves working across a range of process modules, developing new process recipes to meet customer requirements across the technologies in which SPTS provides solutions. The successful candidate will also support hardware testing and development activities when required. Additional responsibilities include providing technical support to customers, producing technical reports for internal and external audiences, generating IP submissions, and supporting wider business activities as needed. This position may involve international travel and occasional shift work.

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

• 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.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.