PDK Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne

PDK Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and maintain PDKs for GaN and compound semiconductor processes.
  • Company: Leading compound semiconductor company expanding its GaN technology platforms.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for progression.
  • Why this job: Take ownership in a hands-on role with real impact on innovative technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electronics or Physics; experience with EDA environments and scripting.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team with high levels of technical ownership and growth potential.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

This is a new position for a PDK Engineer to take ownership and strengthen the link between fabrication, device physics, and MMIC design. You'd be joining a leading compound semiconductor company expanding its GaN technology platforms. It's a hands-on role in a manufacturing-led environment, where process maturity is still evolving and PDKs are tightly coupled to yield, reliability, and RF performance, not just compliance.

The role:

  • Develop, release, and maintain PDKs for GaN and compound semiconductor MMIC processes
  • Own and evolve:
  • Design rules
  • DRC and LVS decks
  • Parameterised cells (PCells)
  • Translate process and device constraints (thermal, breakdown, trapping, reliability) into practical design rules
  • Work closely with Process and Device Engineering to reflect real wafer behaviour in PDK releases
  • Support designers with layout and model related issues impacting RF and power performance
  • Maintain documentation, version control, and formal release flows
  • Support new process introductions and technology qualification activity
  • Track process changes and ensure downstream design flows remain valid
  • Automate checks, flows, and validation using scripting where appropriate
  • Key knowledge and experience:

    • Degree in Electronics, Physics, Materials, or similar
    • Experience working with EDA layout environments and verification flows
    • Scripting skills (Python, SKILL, Tcl, or similar)
    • Understanding of semiconductor fabrication and design-for-manufacture principles
    • Comfortable working with evolving processes and imperfect datasets
    • Exposure to RF, MMIC, GaN, or other III–V technologies is strongly beneficial
    • Experience with silicon PDKs is relevant, but candidates must be open to more process-driven design rules

    What’s on offer:

    • Competitive salary with relocation support
    • Long-term investment strategy in GaN and RF technology platforms
    • High levels of technical ownership and impact
    • Good progression within a scaling company

    PDK Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Wave Recruitment

    Join a pioneering compound semiconductor company in North East England as a PDK Engineer, where you'll enjoy a competitive salary, relocation support, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the evolving GaN technology landscape. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and technical ownership, while providing ample opportunities for professional growth within a scaling organisation dedicated to long-term investment in cutting-edge RF technology platforms.
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    Contact Detail:

    Wave Recruitment Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land PDK Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your knowledge about GaN and compound semiconductors. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities that match your skills and interests.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role!

    We think you need these skills to ace PDK Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne

    PDK Development
    GaN Technology
    Compound Semiconductors
    Design Rules
    DRC and LVS Decks
    Parameterised Cells (PCells)
    Process and Device Constraints
    EDA Layout Environments
    Verification Flows
    Scripting Skills (Python, SKILL, Tcl)
    Semiconductor Fabrication
    Design-for-Manufacture Principles
    RF Performance
    MMIC Design
    Version Control

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PDK Engineer role. Highlight your experience with EDA layout environments and any relevant scripting skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about GaN technology and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.

    Showcase Relevant Projects: If you've worked on projects related to semiconductor fabrication or RF performance, make sure to mention them! We love seeing practical examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Recruitment

    ✨Know Your PDKs Inside Out

    Make sure you understand the fundamentals of Process Design Kits (PDKs) and how they relate to GaN and compound semiconductors. Brush up on design rules, DRC, LVS decks, and parameterised cells. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your potential employer that you're ready to take ownership in this role.

    ✨Showcase Your Scripting Skills

    Since scripting is a key part of the job, be prepared to talk about your experience with languages like Python, SKILL, or Tcl. If possible, bring examples of how you've used scripting to automate checks or improve workflows in previous roles. This will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

    ✨Understand the Manufacturing Environment

    Familiarise yourself with semiconductor fabrication processes and design-for-manufacture principles. Be ready to discuss how you can adapt to evolving processes and imperfect datasets. Showing that you can thrive in a manufacturing-led environment will set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Prepare Questions About the Company’s Technology

    Research the company’s current projects and technologies, especially their GaN platforms. Prepare insightful questions that reflect your interest and understanding of their work. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.

    PDK Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
    Wave Recruitment
    Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
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    • PDK Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne

      Newcastle upon Tyne
      Full-Time
      36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
    • W

      Wave Recruitment

      50-100
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