Principal Research Scientist in Plasma Etch and Deposition at KLA (Newport, UK)

Job Description

KLA is hiring a principal research scientist in semiconductor plasma processing in Newport, UK. You will join the Advanced Development team of KLA’s SPTS division. You will lead the design of next-generation plasma etch and deposition technology for future KLA products.

At a glance

• Position: Principal Research Scientist (requisition 2640696)
• Where: Newport, United Kingdom
• Team: Advanced Development, SPTS division (Semiconductor Products and Customers business unit)
• Travel: International travel, including to the United States; occasional shift work
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 7 November 2026)

What the plasma research scientist does

• Lead new plasma etch and deposition technology for advanced packaging, photonics, compound semiconductors, quantum, MEMS and specialty chips
• Solve hard process and hardware problems with first-principles physics, simulation, designed experiments and data analysis
• Drive inventions and patents
• Guide junior engineers and scientists, and lead technical reviews
• Shape chamber design, RF systems, gas delivery, thermal management, endpoint control and diagnostics with engineering teams
• Use COMSOL or similar tools to model plasma behaviour, materials interactions and hardware effects
• Represent KLA with customers, universities, consortia and conferences, and write reports and papers

Why this role matters

Plasma etch and deposition shape almost every layer of a modern chip. Newer devices, such as photonic and quantum chips and 3D packages, need new processes. This senior role sets the direction for that work. It suits a plasma physicist or process scientist who wants to move into technology leadership in industry.

What KLA is looking for

• A PhD in physics, plasma physics, chemistry, materials science, semiconductor technology, electronic engineering or a related field
• Significant industrial or research experience in plasma processing, semiconductor equipment or advanced chip manufacturing
• A strong understanding of plasma etch and/or deposition
• Knowledge of RF power delivery, plasma sources, thermal management, vacuum systems, endpoint detection and equipment architecture

Pay and location

The posting does not state a salary. It lists 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, a contributory pension, a cash health plan, a global bonus plan, a share scheme, life assurance, and shift and overtime pay.

How to apply

Apply through the official KLA job posting. KLA’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 7 November 2026. Check your right to work in the UK before you apply. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

See all our artificial intelligence jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.