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, processing customer samples to achieve specific targets, supporting the final acceptance of our tools at client sites, and developing the technical expertise necessary for our customers across a wide range of our products and processes.
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, extracting information on product performance requirements to produce satisfactory samples and validate hardware specifications.
- Carry out research and network with the wider technical community to ensure our plasma products remain at the leading edge of development, presenting at exhibitions and conferences, developing strong collaborative links with academic institutions and customers, and conducting voice-of-the-customer interviews; where relevant, contribute to process and technology roadmaps.
- Provide technical process expertise for generating marketing literature and supporting conferences when necessary.
- Agree on priorities and deadlines with the Commercial Solutions Team Leader.
- Analyse the results of test samples and produce technical reports that capture 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 of processing results.
- Produce reports on sample demonstrations, customer visits and field acceptance visits to support the sales process.
- Interpret project team requirements into sample processing requirements and liaise with all members of project teams.
- 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; identify equipment purchases or upgrades when necessary.
Education / Qualifications
- 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, profilometers, AFM, etc.).
Specialisation In At Least One Of The Following Areas
- Advanced expertise in plasma etching in general.
- Rich experience in III‑V etching, such as InP, GaAs, GaN epitaxial etch.
- Other etching experiences, such as ion beam etching, etc.
Personal Qualities
- Self‑starting, diligent and enthusiastic; able to work independently and manage your own time.
- Highly innovative with 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 adapt to changes in specifications or priorities.
- Team player who leverages the contributions of others and works constructively with colleagues.
- Excellent written and oral communication, able to articulate, present and report on technical or complex issues clearly and succinctly.
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.
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 welcome you to contact us if you have concerns about any barriers you may be facing in your application process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…