Process Engineer in Ipswich

About Huawei Research and Development UK Limited. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have 207,000 employees and operate in over 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.

Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

This spirit of innovation has led Huawei to work in close partnership with leading academic institutions in the UK to develop and refine the latest technologies. With a shared commitment to innovation and progress, both parties have worked together to achieve common goals and establish a strong partnership. The partnership between UK and Huawei helps to develop the technologies of the future that will transform the way we all communicate, work and live.

For the past 30 years we have maintained an unwavering focus, rejecting shortcuts and easy opportunities that don't align with our core business. With a practical approach to everything we do, we concentrate our efforts and invest patiently to drive technological breakthroughs.

This strategic focus is a reflection of our core values:

• Staying customer-centric
• Inspiring dedication
• Persevering
• Growing by reflection

Huawei Research and Development UK Limited Overview. Huawei’s vision is a fully connected, intelligent world. To achieve this, we work to inspire passion for basic research around the world. Our combined passion drives development across the global innovation value chain. Huawei has the largest Research and Development organization in the world with 96,000+ employees in research centers around the globe. In the UK, we already have design centers in Cambridge, London, Edinburgh and Ipswich. We continue to explore and define new research directions and new services. We have expanded our collaborations with academic researchers; researched new network architectures, integration of communications and key enabling technologies; and developed the fundamental theories of these technologies. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey and drive your career forward.

Job Summary. We are seeking an enthusiastic, hands-on Process Engineer to join our cleanroom fabrication team. In this role, you will contribute directly to the development, characterisation, and baseline stability of critical wafer fabrication modules supporting advanced III-V semiconductor and photonic device technologies. Working under the guidance of senior module leads and alongside integration and equipment engineers, you will execute process recipes, carry out experiments across multiple unit operations (photolithography, dry/wet etching, and thin-film/metal deposition), and ensure high wafer quality and yield across both R&D and pilot manufacturing lines. This position is ideal for junior engineers with direct academic cleanroom fabrication experience looking to transition into industrial semiconductor engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Multi-Module Hands-On Fabrication: Execute cleanroom process workflows across different operational cells, including photolithography (coat, align, expose, develop, lift-off), wet/dry etching, and thin-film/metal deposition.
• Recipe Development & Fine-Tuning: Support the development, parameter fine-tuning, and baseline maintenance of recipes for dry etch (RIE, ICP-RIE), thin-film deposition (PECVD, ALD, evaporator/sputter), and optical lithography.
• Metrology & Defect Analysis: Perform routine and developmental wafer inspection, dimensional characterisation, and failure analysis using SEM, FIB-SEM, optical profilometers, AFM, and optical microscopy.
• Tool Support & Qualification: Assist senior engineers with tool baselining, daily tool health checks, routine calibration, and the qualification of new cleanroom equipment and consumable materials.
• Quality, Data & Continuous Improvement: Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies to evaluate process windows, improve repeatability, and analyse experimental data using statistical tools (e.g., Minitab, Python).
• Yield & Defect Troubleshooting: Participate in structured root-cause investigations (such as 5-Why, 8D, and FMEA) to address process deviations.
• Documentation & Cleanroom Protocols: Strictly uphold cleanroom protocols, contamination controls, and safety standards; create and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Out-of-Control Action Plans (OCAPs).
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support Project Support: Deliver high-quality experimental data and regular technical summaries to support R&D milestones and technology transfer roadmaps.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of Huawei Research and Development UK Limited.

Person Specification:

• Required:
• Education: PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline with research centered on semiconductor fabrication, photonics, or micro/nano-fabrication.
• Cleanroom Experience: Demonstrable hands-on cleanroom experience in academic or industrial facilities, encompassing multiple fabrication modules: Lithography: Spin coating, mask aligners, steppers, photoresist characterisation, and lift-off processing. Etching: Operation and troubleshooting of dry etch systems (RIE or ICP-RIE) and standard chemical wet etching techniques. Thin Films & Metallisation: Deposition via PECVD, ALD, sputtering, or thermal/e-beam evaporation.
• Characterisation Tools: Proficiency in operating SEM, surface profilometers, ellipsometers, and optical inspection tools for thin-film and pattern analysis.
• Data & Problem-Solving: Solid understanding of experimental design principles (DoE) and data analysis techniques.
• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to document technical procedures and present findings concisely.

• Desired:
• Prior hands-on experience with III-V compound semiconductor systems (e.g., InP, GaAs).
• Familiarity with electron-beam lithography (EBL) or exposure preparation software (e.g., Beamer).
• Exposure to industrial quality frameworks such as SPC, Gauge R&R, FMEA, or 8D problem-solving methodologies.
• Background in optoelectronic, photonic (PIC) and fabrication workflows.

Personal Attributes:

• Able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive team player who is also capable of working independently.
• Positive attitude in working & learning and actively seeks to share ideas and information with colleagues.
• Strong analytical approach and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work under own initiative, and to seek advice when required.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible approach to working in order to meet project demands.
• Supportive of the company culture and ethos.

What we offer:

• 33 days annual leave entitlement per year (including UK public holidays).
• Group Personal Pension.
• Life insurance.
• Private medical insurance.
• Medical expense claim scheme.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Company sports club and social events.
• Additional time off for learning and development.