Principal Research Scientist - Plasma Process Technologies

About the role

KLA's Advanced Development team is looking for a Principal Research Scientist in Newport to help conceive and develop next-generation plasma process technologies for semiconductor manufacturing. The role leads complex development across plasma etch, deposition and advanced process integration, and involves international travel and occasional shift work.

Key responsibilities

• Lead development of breakthrough plasma etch and deposition technologies for Advanced Packaging, Photonics, Compound Semiconductor, Quantum, MEMS and Specialty Semiconductor applications
• Solve complex process and hardware problems using first-principles understanding, simulation, experimental design and data-driven analysis
• Drive invention activities and contribute to patents and intellectual property strategy
• Guide junior engineers and scientists, lead technical reviews and influence development priorities
• Work with engineering teams on chamber design, RF systems, gas delivery, thermal management, endpoint control and process diagnostics
• Use tools such as COMSOL to model plasma behaviour and develop physical models
• Engage with customers, research institutes and universities, act as a technical representative and present findings internally and externally
• Produce technical reports, publications, invention disclosures and executive summaries

Required profile

• PhD in Physics, Plasma Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Semiconductor Technology, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline
• Significant industrial or research experience in plasma processing, semiconductor equipment development or advanced semiconductor manufacturing
• Strong understanding of plasma etch and/or deposition technologies
• Knowledge of RF power delivery, plasma sources, thermal management, vacuum systems, endpoint detection and semiconductor equipment architecture

What we offer

• Annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme, cash health plan and cycle to work scheme
• Global bonus plan, share scheme and rewards scheme
• Life assurance, shift allowance and overtime premiums