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- Tasks: Develop and maintain PDKs for cutting-edge GaN and compound semiconductor processes.
- Company: Join a leading compound semiconductor company driving innovation in GaN technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful projects in a dynamic, hands-on manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics or Physics; experience with EDA tools and scripting skills required.
- Other info: Work closely with experts and enjoy high levels of technical ownership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a new position for a PDK Engineer to take ownership and strengthen the link between fabrication, device physics, and MMIC design. You would be joining a leading compound semiconductor company expanding its GaN technology platforms. It’s a hands‑on role in a manufacturing‑led environment, where process maturity is still evolving and PDKs are tightly coupled to yield, reliability, and RF performance, not just compliance.
The role:
- Develop, release, and maintain PDKs for GaN and compound semiconductor MMIC processes
- Own and evolve design rules, DRC and LVS decks, and parameterised cells (PCells)
- Translate process and device constraints (thermal, breakdown, trapping, reliability) into practical design rules
- Work closely with Process and Device Engineering to reflect real wafer behaviour in PDK releases
- Support designers with layout and model related issues impacting RF and power performance
- Maintain documentation, version control, and formal release flows
- Support new process introductions and technology qualification activity
- Track process changes and ensure downstream design flows remain valid
- Automate checks, flows, and validation using scripting where appropriate
Key Knowledge And Experience:
- Degree in Electronics, Physics, Materials, or similar
- Experience working with EDA layout environments and verification flows
- Scripting skills (Python, SKILL, Tcl, or similar)
- Understanding of semiconductor fabrication and design‑for‑manufacture principles
- Comfortable working with evolving processes and imperfect datasets
- Exposure to RF, MMIC, GaN, or other III–V technologies is strongly beneficial
- Experience with silicon PDKs is relevant but candidates must be open to more process‑driven design rules
What’s On Offer:
- Competitive salary with relocation support
- Long‑term investment strategy in GaN and RF technology platforms
- High levels of technical ownership and impact
- Good progression within a scaling company
PDK Engineer - Wave Recruitment in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PDK Engineer - Wave Recruitment in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the semiconductor industry, especially those working with GaN and MMICs. LinkedIn is your best mate here; connect, engage, and don’t be shy to ask for informational chats.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with EDA layout environments or scripting, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring examples of how you’ve tackled design rules or automated processes in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of semiconductor fabrication and design-for-manufacture principles. Be ready to discuss how you can translate process constraints into practical design rules.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PDK Engineer - Wave Recruitment in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PDK Engineer role. Highlight your experience with GaN and compound semiconductors, and don’t forget to mention any relevant scripting skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be specific about your experience with EDA layout environments and any hands-on projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in semiconductor fabrication or design. We love candidates who can think critically and adapt to evolving processes, so share those experiences with us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your PDKs Inside Out
Make sure you understand the fundamentals of Process Design Kits (PDKs) and how they relate to GaN and compound semiconductors. Brush up on your knowledge of design rules, DRC, LVS decks, and parameterised cells (PCells) so you can confidently discuss how these elements impact RF performance during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Scripting Skills
Since scripting is a key part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience with languages like Python, SKILL, or Tcl. Bring examples of how you've used scripting to automate checks or validation processes in previous projects, as this will demonstrate your hands-on approach and problem-solving abilities.
✨Connect Fabrication and Design
Highlight your understanding of the link between fabrication, device physics, and MMIC design. Be ready to discuss how you've previously translated process constraints into practical design rules, and how you can apply that knowledge to support designers with layout and model-related issues.
✨Embrace Evolving Processes
This role involves working with evolving processes and imperfect datasets, so show your adaptability. Share experiences where you've successfully navigated changes in processes or technologies, and how you ensured that downstream design flows remained valid despite those changes.