Senior Process Development Engineer (Backend)
Summary
Leads backend semiconductor process development and optimization at Lumentum's Caswell site near Towcester: developing and qualifying new manufacturing processes, driving NPI, yield, scrap-reduction and cycle-time improvements, and analyzing process/equipment data with SPC, Six Sigma and Lean methods, including hands-on cleanroom wet-etch work. Key tools include statistical process control, MES an
In this role you will lead backend process development and optimization within a world‑class semiconductor facility. You’ll drive new processes, NPI, scrap reduction, and cycle-time improvements, while collaborating across engineering and production teams. The position focuses on maintaining high process quality, productivity, and device reliability at the Caswell site. You’ll contribute to continuous improvement and technology transfer in a fast-paced, high-tech environment.
Responsibilities- Maintain and continuously improve production processes
- Develop and qualify new semiconductor manufacturing processes
- Analyze process and equipment data using SPC, Six Sigma, and statistical methodologies to drive improvement
- Perform equipment qualification and cross-qualification to ensure supply continuity, increase capacity, and reduce cycle times
- Prepare and review technical documentation, operating procedures, engineering reports, and training materials
- Ensure high equipment availability through process control and tool monitoring
- Analyze, interpret, and respond to product and process data promptly
- Apply Lean Manufacturing techniques to boost performance, yield, and efficiency
- Collaborate with Product Engineering, Equipment Engineering, Manufacturing, and R&D for NPI and tech transfer
- Support fault finding, recovery, and performance improvement of equipment
- Lead or participate in yield improvement, defect reduction, and cost-reduction initiatives
- Meet individual and team objectives in a fast-paced environment
- Work in a semiconductor cleanroom performing wet etching with safety adherence
- Utilize software applications including specialist semiconductor manufacturing and data analysis systems
- Adhere to site health, safety, and environmental procedures
- HNC/HND, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, PhD, or equivalent industrial experience in a related discipline
- Experience in semiconductor, photonics, compound semiconductor, MEMS, optoelectronics, silicon photonics, or related manufacturing environments is highly desirable
- Knowledge of SPC, DOE, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and root cause analysis methodologies
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to work with minimal supervision while completing tasks
- Competent PC user (including Microsoft Office)
- Knowledge of photonic integrated circuit manufacture is advantageous
- Experience in high-technology manufacturing environments is advantageous
- Knowledge of MES
- strong communication skills
- problem-solving mindset
- team-oriented with multidisciplinary collaboration
- SPC
- DOE
- Six Sigma