Etch Development Staff Engineer
Derry/Londonderry, GB
About our group:
The research and development group is essential to our mission of building the world's best data storage technologies. You will work as part of an established team reporting to the Research & Development Manager defining and driving leading edge development for future data storage technologies and products. The Advanced Reader Process Development group is responsible for providing the next generation of readback sensors. If you are excited by innovative technologies, are naturally creative and passionate about seeing ideas come to life then this is the perfect next step for your research and development career.
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:
• Develop, implement and optimise vacuum etch processes, both ion beam etching (IBE) and plasma etching (ICP) to achieve critical dimension and geometry targets for nanometer-scale head devices
• Extensively use modelling, metrology, defect analysis and statistics in the development of new processes
• Define and carry out process innovation projects for performance and yield improvement
• Engage with vacuum equipment vendors to define, demo and procure next generation of vacuum tooling to enable new technology that meets the future product roadmap requirements
• Help assess the impact of new etch processes on downstream performance to drive process improvements
• Manage experiments, projects and wafer tracking to deliver results to the designated schedule
• Participate in technology transfers to the product development engineering team
• Contribute to Seagate’s IP portfolio in the form of invention disclosures, patents, trade secrets, peer-reviewed journal articles, and/or white papers
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 experience with operation and control of Vacuum tooling 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 Sunday, 27th April 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.
• Knowledge of the function and operation of the component parts of a vacuum system and their impact on process control/variation
• Background physics understanding of different plasma sources and surface chemistry
• Experience of key tool and process controls (eg - Endpoint systems) and process qualification methods
• Knowledge of thin film material characterisation techniques (e.g. SEM, TEM, AFM, FIB, XRF, ellipsometry....)
• An understanding of magnetic principles and phenomena would be preferred but not essential
• Vacuum deposition experience with PVD and CVD techniques would also be useful
• Educational background should be in physics, electrical engineering, material science, or a related field, including a PhD/MSc degree with 3+ years of experience or BSc and 7+ years of experience
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