Principal Process Engineer, Etch in Newport, Wales

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

The Principal Process Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for the development, optimization, and control of advanced etch processes. This role drives innovation, resolves complex technical challenges, and ensures robust production performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and qualification of advanced plasma process technologies.
• Drive process optimization to meet customer specifications.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for reliability issues.
• Mentor engineers and define best practices.
• Interface with customers for demos, qualifications, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including hardware, software, NPI and manufacturing.
• Liaise with fields teams to ensure successful transfer of processes to field.
• Establish process control strategies and SPC framework.
• Lead in key PLC etch projects.
• Deliver on etch roadmap targets.
• Research published work relevant to KLA's process development.
• Write invention disclosures/patent applications.
• Write technical papers for publication at conferences, seminars etc.
• Communicate results and ideas to management, co‑workers and other teams across the business.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong knowledge and utilisation of DOE and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity in failure analysis and defect characterization.
• Experience with semiconductor equipment hardware and process interactions.
• Data‑driven mindset with experience in process modeling/simulation and optimization.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving capability.
• Excellent communication across technical and executive audiences.
• Results driven with strong ownership and accountability.
• Innovative thinking.
• Hands on experience on plasma etch equipment.
• Excellent time‑management / multi‑tasking skills to deliver results within strictly defined timelines.
• Good analytical skills including the ability to carry out metrology such as SEM.
• Endpoint methods/OES experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Ideally hold a MSc/PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related field, PhD preferred or hold equivalent level of experience.

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.