At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop and optimise cutting-edge PVD semiconductor equipment.
- Company: Be part of KLA, a leader in wafer processing solutions for the electronics industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and a global bonus plan.
- Other info: Flexible travel opportunities and structured early-career development support.
- Why this job: Tackle hands-on technical challenges and drive innovation in high-performance chip manufacturing.
- Qualifications: HNC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; experience with semiconductor equipment is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
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.
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 and 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:
- Travel up to 40% with the ability to be flexible for domestic and international travel based on business needs.
- 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.
KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
PVD Hardware Engineer in Newport employer: KLA
KLA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newport, UK, where innovation thrives in the semiconductor industry. 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 global travel. Join a collaborative team of experts dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology while enjoying a family-friendly workplace culture that values inclusivity and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PVD Hardware Engineer in Newport
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time PVD Hardware Engineer role you’re after at KLA.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at KLA a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at KLA.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like PVD Hardware Engineer at KLA, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace PVD Hardware Engineer in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like PVD Hardware Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at KLA a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to KLA specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at KLA
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with KLA, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like KLA want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
