Principal Applications Engineer, PVD

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 ICs 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.

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 for R&D, pilot production or volume production environments.

SPTS is headquartered in Newport, UK, with an additional manufacturing facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It 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.

Primary purpose of the role: Working as part of the PVD Applications team, the primary responsibility will be the development of advanced deposition technology. This will involve working on a wide range of materials and applications and developing new hardware and processes to meet market requirements.

Additional responsibilities will include overseeing and supervising junior engineers, writing technical reports for both internal and external use, reviewing technical literature, generating IP submissions and collaborating with other business units as required. Some requirement to write and review process specifications may also be needed. The role will involve advising KLA field teams and other members of the Newport team on application development and process tuning, and may include project management tasks and coordination with other teams. This position will involve some international travel and occasional shift work may be required.

• Develop PVD processes to meet technology roadmap targets and/or customer requirements.
• Design experiments and assess results using analytical equipment and appropriate software packages.
• Undertake problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Provide regular updates to management on progress of development work.
• Summarise results in a written report or presentation.
• Plan work and execute plans safely and on time.
• Contribute constructively to project teams for new products and processes.
• Research published work relevant to KLA's process development.
• Write invention disclosures and patent applications.
• Write technical papers for publication at conferences and seminars.
• Communicate results and ideas to management and co workers.

• Knowledge and/or experience of thin film deposition techniques, plasma systems and high vacuum technology.
• Some experience or knowledge of computer simulation methods is preferred.
• Ability to design experiments and analyse data to rapidly identify solutions to complex problems.
• Good analytical skills, including the ability to carry out metrology such as SEM.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Physics, Chemistry or Material Science - Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience.
• Physics, Chemistry or Material Science - Master's Level Degree and related work experience.
• Physics, Chemistry or Material Science - Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience.

• 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.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at or at +1 to request accommodation.