Senior Process Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Plymouth

Description

The Thin Film Ellipsometry Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimising, and controlling thin-film optical measurement and characterisation processes to support high-yield, high-performance semiconductor device fabrication. This role focuses on ellipsometry-based metrology for deposited thin films across development and production environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, and optimise ellipsometry measurement processes for thin films (thickness, refractive index n/k, composition, and uniformity).
• Support R&D and new materials development by providing accurate thin-film characterisation, measurement development, and data analysis.
• Own and maintain ellipsometry process recipes, optical models, and control strategies.
• Provide accurate metrology feedback to thin-film deposition processes (e.g., PVD, CVD, ALD).
• Analyse film properties including thickness mapping, optical constants, and process-induced variation.
• Develop and refine optical models for multilayer thin-film stacks.
• Utilise statistical process control (SPC) to monitor tool performance and process stability.
• Conduct root cause analysis for measurement drift, model instability, or yield excursions related to film properties.
• Collaborate with equipment and process engineering teams to maintain and improve metrology tool performance.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) through film characterisation, DOE planning, and process transfer.
• Generate technical reports and present findings to engineering and management teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety and cleanroom protocols.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3-7+ years of experience in semiconductor or advanced thin-film processing environments.
• Strong hands-on experience with spectroscopic ellipsometry.
• Solid understanding of thin-film optics, dispersion modelling, and multilayer analysis.
• Experience correlating ellipsometry data with complementary techniques (e.g., XRD, AFM, profilometry).
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Strong ownership mentality with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptable and comfortable with evolving priorities and rapid change.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills (working effectively with process, equipment, R&D, and manufacturing teams).
• Clear and confident communicator, able to present technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with compound semiconductor or dielectric thin films would be an advantage.

Perks & Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Private medical & dental insurance
• 28 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Free onsite meals
• Onsite gym
• Relocation support
• Visa support available