Etch Development Staff Engineer

About our group:

The Research & Development group is at the heart of our mission to build the world’s most advanced data storage technologies. As part of a seasoned team, reporting to the R&D Manager, you’ll help define and drive groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of storage solutions. Within this group, the Advanced Reader Process Development team is leading the charge in delivering the next generation of high-performance readback sensors—critical to enabling cutting-edge data retrieval and reliability. If you're energized by pioneering technology, fueled by creativity, and driven to turn bold ideas into reality, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Join us in shaping the future of data storage innovation

About the role - you will:

Leveraging our high-tech wafer fabrication facility in Derry UK, with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and design tools, you will be part of the research and development team responsible for Seagate’s future HDD products. This will involve close collaboration with other development teams at Seagate wafer sites, and with product and design teams. Full and detailed build, test and characterization of devices will be required, with ongoing and detailed analysis of reader parametric performance.

You will:

As a key player in vacuum ion beam etching (IBE) process development, you will drive innovation in nano-scale head devices, ensuring precision in critical dimensions and geometries. Your expertise will shape next-generation storage technology through:

•    Developing, implementing, and optimizing IBE processes to meet evolving performance targets.
•    Leveraging advanced modelling, metrology, defect analysis, and statistical tools to refine process efficiency.
•    Leading innovation projects focused on performance and yield enhancements.
•    Collaborating with vacuum equipment vendors to define, test, and integrate next-generation vacuum tooling aligned with future product roadmaps.
•    Assessing downstream impacts of new etch processes to drive continuous improvement.
•    Managing experiments, projects, and wafer tracking to ensure timely and impactful results.
•    Supporting technology transfers to the product development engineering team.
•    Contributing to Seagate’s intellectual property portfolio, including invention disclosures, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.

About you:

•    You are an innovative and self-motivated worker with an insatiable curiosity
•    You have excellent organizational, project management and problem-solving skills
•    You have a reputation for honesty, integrity, and showing respect toward others
•    You earn the technical respect of peers and can effectively influence technical decisions
•    You are analytical with excellent data analysis skills and with an ability to find breakthrough solutions
•    You have a track record of innovation and routinely use outside sources (journals, patents, university work and conferences) for developing new ideas and directions
 

Your experience includes:

•    Hands-on operation and control of vacuum tooling, with a deep understanding of process control variations.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of vacuum system components and their influence on process stability.
•    A solid physics background in plasma sources and surface chemistry.
•    Experience with key tool/process control mechanisms, endpoint systems and process qualification methods.
•    Proficiency in thin-film material characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM, FIB, XRF, ellipsometry, etc.).
•    Preferred but not essential: Understanding magnetic principles and phenomena.
•    Bonus experience: Plasma etching with ICP/RIE techniques and vacuum deposition using PVD/CVD.
•    Your educational background should be in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field:
•    PhD degree with 3+ years of experience or MSc/BSc with 7+ years of experience

Please note that you must demonstrate on the application how you meet the criteria for the role as identified above. To facilitate shortlisting, the company reserves the right to apply enhanced criteria.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Monday, 30th June 2025

This is a Full-Time position working 39 hours per week, on-site working.

At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. To see all vacancies that Seagate has available, please sign up - Register your interest in career updates with our Talent Network and to be considered for future opportunities.

Seagate Technology is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of sex, marital status, religious affiliation, age, disability, or ethnic origin. The Company specifically welcomes applications from the protestant community who are currently underrepresented in this job category. All applications will be considered strictly on merit.
 

Location:

Springtown, Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Our Springtown site is Derry/Londonderry’s largest manufacturer, we are proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work. We have more than 1,400 employees spanning research and development, manufacturing, and many other functions.

Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at our subsidized on-site cafe.

Looking for an active break from your workday? We have got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on-site gym. 

Network with your colleagues through the Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), Volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class! 

Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee-led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate! 
 

See list below of many of our Company Benefits:

•    Health – Private Healthcare, for employees and dependents, Company sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, Group income protection and On-site gym/ exercise classes / personal trainer.
•    Work Life Balance – Annual leave, Flexible working hours, Part-time working, Enhanced maternity pay, Enhanced paternity pay, Bereavement leave.
•    Finance – Pension – employer contributory scheme, Life assurance, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Company bonus scheme and Perks at Work discount programmes, 
•    Career – Degree / non degree assistance, externally accredited training and development and Learning & development programmes.
 

Location: Springtown, United Kingdom
Travel: None