Oxford Instruments GmbH
Applications Engineer - Plasma Etching
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Applications Engineer - Plasma Etching
Date: 2 Jul 2026
Location: Bristol, GB, BS35 4GG
Job Function: Technical
Business Unit: Plasma Technology
We are excited to announce an opportunity for an Applications Engineer to join our dynamic team in Severn Beach, Bristol, on a permanent basis. This pivotal role within the Applications Team will allow you to develop and enhance processes tailored for our customers. You will be responsible for processing customer samples to achieve specific targets and supporting the final acceptance of our tools at client sites. Furthermore, you will develop the technical expertise necessary for our customers, covering a wide range of our products and processes. Be a part of our journey in shaping the future of advanced plasma solutions!
Key Responsibilities
- Process a wide variety of samples for customers and the applications team using a range of Oxford Instruments etch tools and techniques.
- Work closely with the Applications Team to contribute to novel process development in support of customers and new product development.
- Liaise with customers, Product managers and the sales teams, and extract information on product performance requirements in order to produce satisfactory samples and validate hardware specifications.
- Carry out research and networking with the wider technical community to ensure our plasma products are at the leading edge of development, where appropriate, being the process/applications champion within OIPT. This may involve giving presentations at exhibitions and conferences, developing strong collaborative links with academic institutions and customers, and carrying out voice of the customer interviews. Where relevant, contribute to process and technology roadmaps.
- Where necessary, provide technical process expertise for generating marketing literature and supporting conferences.
- Agree on priorities and deadlines with the Commercial Solutions Team Leader.
- Analyse the results of the test samples and produce technical reports to capture the results and issues.
- Support field process acceptances worldwide on an occasional basis when experienced in relevant processes.
- Develop an excellent working knowledge of the technology to facilitate fault finding and root cause analysis on processing results.
- Produce reports on sample demonstrations, customer visits and field acceptance visits to support the sales process.
- Liaise with customers, in conjunction with the sales and marketing teams, to understand their product performance requirements in order to produce satisfactory samples.
- Liaise with all members of project teams and interpret their requirements into sample processing requirements.
- Assist Customer support teams in 8D activities and field support teams in Acceptance activities as required.
- Challenge and improve existing working practices within the laboratory to ensure we offer a safe, professional, best-in-class service to our customers. Where necessary, identify equipment purchases or upgrades.
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Education / Qualifications
- A relevant science or engineering degree. A background in chemistry or Chemical engineering would be an advantage.
- Ideally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in the semiconductor industry or relevant experience in an academic institution.
- Exposure to PECVD, CVD or ALD or ICP etch processes.
Professional Skills / Abilities
- Advanced skills in analysing samples (e.g. SEMs, profilometer, AFM etc.)
Specialisation In At Least One Of The Following Areas
- Advanced in Plasma etching in general.
- Rich experiences in III-V etching, such as InP, GaAs, GaN Epi etch.
- Other etching experiences, such as Ion beam etching, etc.
Personal Qualities
- Self-starting, diligent and enthusiastic. A professional approach to working independently and managing your own time.
- Highly innovative and good lateral thinking skills for identifying opportunities for technology development applications.
- Focused on excellent customer service.
- Good diagnostic skills and problem-solving abilities. Positive and enthusiastic attitude to technical challenges, and flexibility to cope effectively with changes to specifications or priorities.
- Team player who makes the best use of the contributions that can be made by others, and has the ability to work constructively with others.
- Excellent written and oral communication. Able to articulate, present and report on technical or complex issues clearly and succinctly.
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At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we provide tools for the engineering of micro- and nano-structures, with customers using our process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers.
Benefits
In addition to a competitive starting salary, structured career development opportunities, and a good work-life balance, Oxford Instruments offers 25 days annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan, and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.
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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.
Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.
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