Senior Controls Engineer Abingdon, UK

Infinitesima was spun out of the University of Bristol in 2001 and has been developing innovative metrology solutions which improve speed and precision in the manufacture of semiconductors. The company’s technology combines the 3-dimensional surface detection capability of atomic force microscopy (AFM), with high-speed laser activation and the accuracy of interferometry. The Rapid Probe Microscope (RPM™) is protected by an extensive patent portfolio. The company’s RPM™ technology is being used by leading semiconductor equipment companies globally.

Location: Abingdon

Reporting to: Electronics Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Perform development activities to enhance current control systems within the product, as well as help innovate and develop new ones.
• Apply control theory to define and manage (sub-) system specifications and breakdowns, ensuring alignment with project goals and performance criteria.
• Assess, manage and improve (sub-) system performance (and budgets), ensuring a clear understanding of how each module impacts overall system performance.
• Be able to support noise handling on a sub-nanometer scale.
• Support applications, manufacturing and service in fault identification and resolution.
• Prepare and maintain various types of documentation.
• Act as subject matter expert within the company.
• Lead technical developments and failure analysis
• Perform technical planning to support various integration and test activities
• Work hands‑on with the equipment and apparatus to prove performance of the implemented designs
• Feed forward learning into next developments
• Work effectively and flexibly as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Documentation and presentation of technical work, plans, etc.
• Communicate effectively with a diverse set of peers, customers, and vendors

Personal Qualities

• Self‑management: Able to work independently, setting priorities for own work based upon the company goals and targets.
• Teamwork: Engages with other members for the company to bring the best solutions to the problem recognise the value that fellow company members bring to enhance own abilities. Supports colleagues with their tasks when critical to the company goals.
• Impact and Influence: In own field establishes themselves as the knowledge centre.
• Ownership & Initiative: React and address both short‑ and medium‑term issues and proactively takes action to solve them.
• Results Orientation: Focus on the company goal, avoid distraction, making timely decisions to achieve the target.

Education / Qualifications

Either a BSc/BEng in Physics, Engineering or similar, or a clear growth path through engineering apprenticeship and design positions.

Professional Skills / Abilities

• Experience of practical engineering development activities.
• Experience of being a technical lead on Control Systems.
• Good knowledge of Feedback and Feedforward loops
• Ability to project manage own projects, including timekeeping, resource management, as well as sending updates to key stakeholders.
• Excellent communicator – Fluency in written and oral technical English, as well as ability to present to key stakeholders within the business
• Minimum five years of experience
• Knowledge of digital filtering (ideally in FPGAs)
• Experience of driving piezos, and knowledge of hysteresis in piezos.
• Knowledge of metrology and measurement systems.
• Knowledge of Electronics and/or Electrical design
• Experience of guiding systems/products through EMC and various regulatory testing.
• Knowledge of Semi S2 standard.
• Knowledge of PLC software and control systems

In addition to a competitive starting salary and a yearly bonus, Infinitesima offers flexible working hours, 25 days annual leave, personal pension contributions and EMI Share scheme.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Note to recruitment agencies: Infinitesima Ltd only works with approved agencies and does not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not submit candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Infinitesima Ltd employees. Infinitesima Ltd is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.