Principal Applications Engineer, PVD in Newport

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 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.

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, and offers comprehensive service and spare parts support through a worldwide network of service centers and qualified local agents.

Primary Purpose of Role

Working as part of the PVD Applications team the primary responsibility of this role will be the development of advanced deposition technology. This will involve working on a wide range of materials and applications and developing new hardware and processes to meet market requirements. Additional responsibilities will include overseeing and supervising junior engineers, writing technical reports for both internal and external use, reviewing technical literature, generating IP submissions and collaborating with other business units as required. There may also be some requirement to write and review process specifications. This role will also involve advising both KLA field teams and other members of the Newport team on application development and process tuning. There will be opportunity to take on Project Management tasks, coordinating with other teams. This position will involve some international travel. Occasional shift working may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Development of PVD processes to meet technology roadmap targets and/or customer requirements
• Design of experiments and the assessment of results using analytical equipment and appropriate software packages
• Undertake problem solving and trouble‑shooting
• Provide regular updates to management on progress of development work
• Summarise results in a written report or presentation
• Plan work and execute plans in a safe and timely manner
• Contribute constructively to the work of project teams for new products and processes
• Research into published work relevant to KLA’s process development
• Write invention disclosures/patent applications
• Write technical papers for publication at conferences, seminars etc
• Communicate results and ideas to management & co‑workers

Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Knowledge and/or experience of thin film deposition techniques, plasma systems & high vacuum technology
• Preferably some experience or knowledge of computer simulation methods
• An ability to design experiments and analyse data to rapidly identify solutions to complex problems
• Good analytical skills including the ability to carry out metrology such as SEM
• Good oral and written communication skills
• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team

Qualifications

Physics, Chemistry or Material Science Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience; Master’s Level Degree and related work experience; Bachelor’s Level Degree and related work experience.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience; Master’s Level Degree and related work experience; Bachelor’s Level Degree and related work 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.