22/01/2026

Job Id: 2087

School/Department: Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary per annum (£): 38,784.00 - 51,753.00

Closing Date: 11/02/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

As the Process Engineer reporting to the Technical Manager: Nano Technology, you will have responsibility for developing processes, recipes and training users in a large variety of semiconductor device fabrication techniques, including lithography, CVD, dry and wet etching, metallisation and CMP processes. Close interaction with facility users, equipment engineers, suppliers and academic departments across the University means that a customer focus is key to the role, as well as technical excellence.

Implementing rigorous scientific methods to improve reliability and repeatability of existing fabrication processes to enable world-class research outputs, you will develop and optimise routine manufacturing and testing processes, define Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), safety and process controls. and ensure high levels of equipment availability through maintenance and calibration of equipment.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop, qualify and maintain a range of semiconductor fabrication processes including plasma deposition, etch, metallisation and lithography.
• Work with the Technical Manager to develop elements of a Safe System of Work for equipment and processes in the Device Fabrication Facility, including SOPs, Risk Assessments, training materials, and competence assessments.
• Design, deliver, assess and record training on semiconductor device tools for facility users.
• Supervise users within the Device Fabrication Facility on a daily basis, ensuring compliance with safety and operational policies and procedures.
• Lead the development and delivery of a maintenance strategy to minimise equipment downtime.
• Develop and deliver a calibration schedule to ensure high operating standards and equipment reliability within the facility.
• Guide research groups, students, and external users in designing, running and analysing experiments.
• Propose, lead and carry out continuous improvement projects to improve the performance of the Device Fabrication Facility, as well as supporting new platform and process development.
• Troubleshoot and resolve typical processing issues and provide process support and guidance to staff and students.
• Liaise with suppliers and contractors regarding equipment repairs, servicing, installation, commissioning, and calibration.
• Provide technical training, support and advice to the facility technical team.
• Liaise with facility users on availability and cost of access and services.
• Advise the Technical Manager on Device Fabrication operational issues, such as maintenance plans, spare parts stocks, Health and Safety matters, and provision of training, and deputise for the Facility Manager as required.

• Be on call for emergencies relating to the Nanoscience building and implementing the emergency action plan.

• Undertake continued professional development.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Equivalent experience to a Level 7 qualification (Masters level) in a relevant engineering/scientific discipline, with proven vocational skills as a technician/engineer in line with the job description.

Essential

Application

Operational knowledge of Health and Safety legislation, policies and arrangements in a cleanroom environment.

Essential

Application/interview

Extensive experience of operating and optimising cleanroom and semiconductor device fabrication processes, including lithography, plasma deposition and etch processes.

Essential

Application/interview

Extensive experience in semiconductor wafer/device metrology and characterisation including surface profilometry, SEM and electrical characterisation.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of maintenance, repair and calibration of semiconductor device fabrication equipment.

Essential

Application/interview

Knowledge of semiconductor circuit function and construction.

Experience of preparing and negotiating cost estimates for work packages for facility users.

Essential

Application/interview

Ensure all activities within your area of responsibility are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance.

Essential

Application/interview

Develop and deliver training to others in the use of materials/equipment/tools and processes to meet the needs of the audience.

Essential

Application/interview

Work efficiently and effectively at all times, maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste.

Essential

Application/interview

IOSH Health and Safety.

Desirable

Application

Training Qualification.

Desirable

Application

Further Information

Grade

7

Salary

£38,784 - £47,389, with potential to increase to £51,753 through sustained, exceptional contribution.

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

Permanent position, needed as soon as possible

Line manager

Technical Manager: Nano Technology

Direct reports

None

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/eee

For informal enquiries about this job contact Sam Whitehouse, School Technical Manager on sam.whitehouse@sheffield.ac.uk.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 6 March 2026. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 23 February 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Lewis Bolam at l.j.bolam@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Technical Career Route.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.