At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise cutting-edge semiconductor process equipment hardware.
- Company: Join KLA, a leader in wafer processing solutions for the global semiconductor industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, health plan, and more.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and early-career development through mentoring and structured onboarding.
- Why this job: Work hands-on with innovative technology and make a real impact in chip manufacturing.
- Qualifications: HNC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; experience with semiconductor equipment is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
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.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications About the Role KLA are seeking a talented and motivated PVD Hardware Engineer to join our PVD Hardware team developing next-generation Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) capital equipment.
As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for the integration, testing, and optimisation of complex semiconductor process equipment hardware.
You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to build, commission, and improve advanced PVD platforms used in high-performance chip manufacturing.
This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands-on technical challenges, working with cutting-edge equipment, and driving hardware solutions from concept through to production readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain, develop, and improve PVD semiconductor process equipment hardware.
- Support the build, installation, and commissioning of prototype an existing PVD systems.
- Plan and execute hardware testing, validation, and performance characterisation.
- Work with process engineers to optimise hardware performance for reliability and process capability.
- Generate and maintain engineering documentation including specifications, drawings, test plans, and reports.
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams on improvement activities.
- Qualifications & Experience
- HNC in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (or a related discipline) or hold equivalent level of qualification.
- Experience designing, building, testing, or supporting semiconductor process equipment or complex industrial systems.
- Strong hands-on engineering and troubleshooting skills.
- Desirable Experience
- Experience with semiconductor capital equipment platforms.
- Experience with CAD tools and engineering drawings.
- Additional information
- Local and international travel will be up to 30-40% in this role.
KLA will of course, provide travel expenses and accommodation, in line with our travel policy.
- We support early‑career development through structured onboarding, mentoring, and learning opportunities 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 HNC in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering (or a related discipline) or hold equivalent level of qualification.
We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package.
KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment.
Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings.
KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.
If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.
- Summary
- Type: Full time
Locations
Hardware Engineer in Isle of Wight, Newport employer: KLA-Tencor
KLA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newport, UK, where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth through structured onboarding and mentoring, KLA provides a competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for international travel. Join a collaborative team of experts dedicated to advancing semiconductor technology and enjoy the unique advantage of working with cutting-edge equipment in a supportive and family-friendly atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Engineer in Isle of Wight, Newport
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like KLA-Tencor.
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Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of KLA-Tencor and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Engineer in Isle of Wight, Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for KLA-Tencor and the Hardware Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at KLA-Tencor
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at KLA-Tencor.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at KLA-Tencor.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with KLA-Tencor, making you a more appealing candidate.
