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- Tasks: Develop and maintain PDKs for cutting-edge GaN and compound semiconductor processes.
- Company: Join a leading compound semiconductor company driving innovation in GaN technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role with evolving technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics or related field; experience with EDA tools and scripting.
- Other info: Dynamic environment 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)
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 Sunderland employer: Wave Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Wave Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PDK Engineer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that PDK Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of GaN technology. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! If you've worked on relevant projects or have a portfolio, make sure to highlight them during interviews. We want to see how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios, especially in semiconductor fabrication.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace PDK Engineer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PDK Engineer role. Highlight your experience with GaN and compound semiconductors, and don’t forget to mention any relevant scripting skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your hands-on experience in manufacturing-led environments, as that’s key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: When filling out your application, make sure to showcase your technical skills clearly. Whether it’s your experience with EDA layout environments or your understanding of semiconductor fabrication, we want to know how you can bring value to our projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Recruitment
✨Know Your PDKs Inside Out
Make sure you understand the specifics of PDKs, especially in relation to GaN and compound semiconductors. Brush up on design rules, DRC and LVS decks, and parameterised cells. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your potential employer that you're ready to take ownership of the role.
✨Showcase Your Scripting Skills
Since scripting is a key part of this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with Python, SKILL, or Tcl. If you have examples of how you've automated checks or validation processes in previous roles, share those stories. This will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Environment
Familiarise yourself with semiconductor fabrication and design-for-manufacture principles. Be ready to discuss how you would translate process constraints into practical design rules. Showing that you can bridge the gap between fabrication and design will make you stand out.
✨Prepare Questions About Process Evolution
Since the company is working with evolving processes, come prepared with questions about how they handle changes and ensure downstream design flows remain valid. This shows your interest in their operations and your proactive approach to adapting to new challenges.
