Hardware 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.

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.
• Troubleshoot complex equipment issues and identify root causes.
• 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.
• Support technology development programmes from early concept through to customer-ready systems.

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.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Analytical skills with a structured approach to problem solving.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment platforms.
• Knowledge of high-vacuum systems, RF power delivery.
• Experience with CAD tools and engineering drawings.
• Additional information
• Local and international travel will be up to 30-40% in this role.

We will seek to give as much notice as possible, but sometimes trips may be at short notice.

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.

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 Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees.

KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment.

Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA.

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KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.

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• Summary
• Type: Full time