Lead Manufacturing Test Engineer

At Nexperia Manchester we are expanding our Test Process Engineering Team with the addition of a Lead Manufacturing Test Engineer. In this role, you will drive wafer test quality, lead improvement projects, optimise processes and explore automation opportunities. This is your chance to make a direct impact on product quality within a fast-paced, global semiconductor manufacturer producing over 100 billion devices every year.

Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.
What you will do
As the Lead Engineer for Wafer Test, you will play a critical role in driving quality, stability and performance across the test area. Youll combine hands-on technical problem solving with people leadership, cross-functional collaboration and structured improvement activities.
Your focus will be on ensuring wafer test processes consistently meet Production and Quality standards, while developing the team and driving long-term continuous improvement through systems such as Lean Six Sigma, Process and Step FMEA, and effective change control.
This role gives you the opportunity to improve critical processes, explore automation solutions and lead high-impact projects where your work directly influences customer satisfaction.
You will also
Deliver improvement activities aligned with annual business KPIs
Own corrective actions to reduce assembly centre referrals, customer complaints and process deviations
Maintain accurate, current FMEAs across all relevant processes
Support New Product Introduction, ensuring manufacturability and capability standards are met
Collaborate closely with assembly centres and fab manufacturing teams to resolve cross-site issues and improve quality
Manage area resources, including shift coverage, headcount planning and skills flexibility
Coach, develop and upskill engineers and technicians, including conducting performance reviews and development planning
What you will need
Essential requirements:
Degree level education in a relevant Engineering or STEM discipline (or equivalent experience)
6+ years of hands-on experience in process optimisation and quality management within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Proven track record of delivering improvement projects
Experience leading Continuous Improvement (CI) activities, including strong statistical data analysis skills
Ability to work a rotating 12-hour shift pattern, 7am-7pm 4 days on, 4 days off
Desirable Experience:
Knowledge of MOSFET device physics
Understanding of parametric testing methodologies and familiarity with failure analysis techniques
Experience with automated inspection solutions or automation in quality/inspection environments
Familiarity with relevant industry standards, including IATF-16949 and ISO-9001
Experience with quality management systems (QMS) and associated quality tools
Six Sigma greenbelt or equivalent competency for process improvement planning
Clear understanding of lean manufacturing principles, such as: SPC, FMEA, Kaizen, Zero Defects, Total Quality Management (TQM) ,Total Productive/Process Management (TPM)
The Interview process

Stage 1: Recruiter review
Stage 2: 30 mins Teams Interview
Stage 3: 60 mins on site Interview
What your benefits will include:
A salary of £69,000 - £76,000 (DOE) plus bonus scheme of up to 6%
9% Employer pension contribution
Subsidised canteen
Income protection
Visa and relocation support
12 x salary life assurance
24.5 days annual leave + 182 roster days off
On-site medical centre
Flexible benefits scheme
Retail and Entertainment discounts
Professional Development Opportunity to complete a leadership and management qualification, possibility for funded academic support up to PhD level, employee goal setting and development plans, huge growth potential both internally and globally within the business, in both management and technical pathways.
Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability A global commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035, working with suppliers who embrace and comply with the Nexperia Supplier Code of Conduct, and paid time off for every employee to support charitable work up 4 times per year.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Corporate members of Neurodiversity in Business and a Disability Confident Employer. xwzovoh Dedicated Employee Resource Groups for Neuroinclusion, the LGBTQ+ community, and Women in Nexperia, with a commitment to increase women in management positions to 30% by 2030.
Please note that for candidates based in Europe with a background in Semiconductor Manufacturing relocation and visa support can be offered.