At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to innovate cutting-edge data storage technologies and drive process development.
- Company: Seagate is a leader in data storage solutions, committed to innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, private healthcare, on-site gym, and subsidised meals.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in tech while collaborating with passionate professionals in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc/BSc in physics or engineering with relevant experience in vacuum tooling and process control.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Derry/Londonderry, GB
Job ID: 11908
About our group:
The Research & Development group is at the heart of our mission to build the world’s most advanced data storage technologies. As part of a seasoned team, reporting to the R&D Manager, you’ll help define and drive groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of storage solutions. Within this group, the Advanced Reader Process Development team is leading the charge in delivering the next generation of high-performance readback sensors —critical to enabling cutting-edge data retrieval and reliability. If you’re energized by pioneering technology, fueled by creativity, and driven to turn bold ideas into reality, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
About the role - you will:
- Leverage our high-tech wafer fabrication facility in Derry UK, with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and design tools, as part of the research and development team responsible for Seagate’s future HDD products.
- Collaborate closely with other development teams at Seagate wafer sites, and with product and design teams.
- Conduct full and detailed build, test and characterization of devices, with ongoing and detailed analysis of reader parametric performance.
You will:
- As a key player in vacuum ion beam etching (IBE) process development, drive innovation in nano-scale head devices, ensuring precision in critical dimensions and geometries.
- Develop, implement, and optimize IBE processes to meet evolving performance targets.
- Leverage advanced modelling, metrology, defect analysis, and statistical tools to refine process efficiency.
- Lead innovation projects focused on performance and yield enhancements.
- Collaborate with vacuum equipment vendors to define, test, and integrate next-generation vacuum tooling aligned with future product roadmaps.
- Assess downstream impacts of new etch processes to drive continuous improvement.
- Manage experiments, projects, and wafer tracking to ensure timely and impactful results.
- Support technology transfers to the product development engineering team.
- Contribute to Seagate’s intellectual property portfolio, including invention disclosures, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.
About you:
- You are an innovative and self-motivated worker with an insatiable curiosity.
- You have excellent organizational, project management and problem-solving skills.
- You have a reputation for honesty, integrity, and showing respect toward others.
- You earn the technical respect of peers and can effectively influence technical decisions.
- You are analytical with excellent data analysis skills and with an ability to find breakthrough solutions.
- You have a track record of innovation and routinely use outside sources (journals, patents, university work and conferences) for developing new ideas and directions.
Your experience includes:
- Hands-on operation and control of vacuum tooling, with a deep understanding of process control variations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of vacuum system components and their influence on process stability.
- A solid physics background in plasma sources and surface chemistry.
- Experience with key tool/process control mechanisms, endpoint systems and process qualification methods.
- Proficiency in thin-film material characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM, FIB, XRF, ellipsometry, etc.).
- Preferred but not essential: Understanding magnetic principles and phenomena.
- Bonus experience: Plasma etching with ICP/RIE techniques and vacuum deposition using PVD/CVD.
- Your educational background should be in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field: PhD degree with 3+ years of experience or MSc/BSc with 7+ years of experience.
Please note that you must demonstrate on the application how you meet the criteria for the role as identified above. To facilitate shortlisting, the company reserves the right to apply enhanced criteria.
Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Monday, 30th June 2025. This is a Full-Time position working 39 hours per week, on-site working.
At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.
Location: Springtown, Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Our Springtown site is Derry/Londonderry’s largest manufacturer, we are proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work. We have more than 1,400 employees spanning research and development, manufacturing, and many other functions.
Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at our subsidized on-site cafe. Looking for an active break from your workday? We have got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on-site gym. Network with your colleagues through the Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), Volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class! Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee-led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate!
See list below of many of our Company Benefits:
- Health – Private Healthcare, for employees and dependents, Company sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, Group income protection and On-site gym/ exercise classes / personal trainer.
- Work Life Balance – Annual leave, Flexible working hours, Part-time working, Enhanced maternity pay, Enhanced paternity pay, Bereavement leave.
- Finance – Pension – employer contributory scheme, Life assurance, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Company bonus scheme and Perks at Work discount programmes.
- Career – Degree / non-degree assistance, externally accredited training and development and Learning & development programmes.
Location: Springtown, United Kingdom
Travel: None
About Us
With more than four decades of storage innovation, Seagate empowers humanity to thrive in the data age and helps people and businesses navigate the ever-expanding data landscape. We craft precision-engineered, cutting-edge solutions that help the world store and manage exponential data growth. Seagate is powered by our talented and passionate workforce of 29,000 employees across the globe who embody our core values: integrity, innovation, and inclusion. Striving towards excellence every single day, we show up with these values for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities alike. Join us and get inspired to make a difference in the datasphere!
Seagate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, military and veteran status, or other status protected by applicable law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
EEO Know Your Rights Poster
Seagate will provide reasonable accommodation with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations@seagate.com.
All Seagate jobs will remain open for a minimum of seven days. For information on how Seagate collects and uses your personal information during the application process, please review the Applicant Privacy Statement.
Etch Development Staff Engineer employer: Seagate Technology
Contact Detail:
Seagate Technology Recruiting Team
accommodations@seagate.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Etch Development Staff Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in vacuum ion beam etching (IBE) technology. Understanding current trends and innovations will not only enhance your knowledge but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of data storage and semiconductor manufacturing. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet industry experts, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Highlight your hands-on experience with vacuum tooling and process control variations, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked with different departments, as teamwork is crucial in a role that involves close collaboration with various development teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Etch Development Staff Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on your hands-on operation of vacuum tooling, knowledge of vacuum system components, and any experience with thin-film material characterization techniques.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in data storage technology. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to drive performance enhancements in etching processes.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Clearly outline your educational background and work experience related to physics, electrical engineering, or materials science. Highlight any specific achievements in vacuum ion beam etching or related fields to showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasise your organisational and project management abilities. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams or influenced technical decisions in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Seagate Technology
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with vacuum tooling and process control variations. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented IBE processes or optimised performance targets, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute to the team.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, focusing on your analytical skills and ability to find innovative solutions.
✨Research the Company and Its Innovations
Familiarise yourself with Seagate's latest advancements in data storage technology. Understanding their products and innovations will not only show your interest but also allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share instances where your communication skills helped drive a project forward or resolve conflicts effectively.