Postgraduate Semiconductor Process Engineer

At Nexperia Manchester, we are expanding our Semiconductor Process Engineering organisation with a unique opportunity for a highly capable postgraduate to join our world‑class high‑volume manufacturing fab. This role is not just a job, it is a structured, multi‑year development pathway designed to turn exceptional academic talent into industry‑ready process owners.

You will work at the centre of innovation, contributing to new platforms, technologies and manufacturing improvements in a fab that contributes to the production of over 100 billion devices every year. Your work will directly influence product performance, yield, and the future of Nexperia’ s technology roadmap.

What you will do

As a Postgraduate Process or Integration Engineer, you will follow a structured development journey aligned to our internal graduate framework over a two-year period including:   

Phase 1: Foundation & Fab Readiness - You will become fab‑ready through training in cleanroom behaviour, device physics, statistical process control fundamentals, and structured problem solving, ensuring you are safe, credible and ready to contribute

Phase 2: Structured Rotations - You will begin in a dedicated technology area before progressing into a structured six‑month introduction. You will then rotate through major process areas, Lithography, Etch, Deposition, Diffusion and Integration, each with clear learning objectives to guide your development. These rotations deepen your understanding of core process principles, include a deliverable Six Sigma project, and build the system‑level thinking needed for long‑term specialisation.

Phase 3: Process Ownership - You will get the chance to contribute to a specific process module or toolset, with growing responsibility for Statistical Process Control reviews, recipe changes, documentation, and yield excursions. This is where you transition from learner to accountable engineer!

Phase 4: Optimisation & Specialisation - You will lead technical initiatives such as yield improvement, cost reduction, cycle‑time optimisation, or process window expansion, delivering real value whilst getting the chance to coach other aspiring talent within the department allowing you to build on your coaching and mentoring skills.  

Alongside this structured development, you will also:

• Become involved in the resolution of high‑profile fabrication incidents using structured methodologies such as Six Sigma, 8D and Kepner‑Tregoe.
• Plan, execute and analyse engineering trials across diffusion, assembly and life‑test processes.
• Develop robust process modules and produce clear, accurate documentation.
• Drive experimental design, risk analysis and feasibility studies for new technologies.
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships with equipment, yield, design and operations teams.

This role offers the rare satisfaction of seeing devices progress from design to production, with your decisions shaping the performance of products used worldwide.

What you will need

Essential Qualifications (All Accepted Pathways)

We welcome applicants with a postgraduate degree (MSc, MEng or PhD) from any of the following relevant disciplines:

• Semiconductor or Microelectronics Engineering
• Electrical or Electronic Engineering with a focus on microelectronics, semiconductor devices or solid‑state electronics
• Materials Science & Engineering with a strong foundation in materials, thin films, defects, and
• Physics with emphasis on solid‑state physics, microelectronics, semiconductor devices or cleanroom‑based experimental work
• Chemical Engineering where modules or research relate to etch/deposition chemistry, reaction engineering or process control
• Related engineering disciplines (e.g., Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial) where you have completed semiconductor‑relevant electives, research projects or cleanroom experience

Essential requirements:

• An understanding of semiconductor processing methods, ideally with ‘hands-on’ experience of some aspects semiconductor processing within a university or industrial cleanroom environment
• Understanding of semiconductor device principles and how electrical characteristics relate to fabrication process variables
• Strong data analysis capability
• Ability to summarise and communicate complex technical findings clearly to engineering colleagues, enabling effective decision‑making and corrective actions
• Ability to work onsite at Nexperia Manchester, Monday-Friday 37.5hrs per week, with the flexibility longer term to work a shift pattern including two weeks of days and 1 week of nights (12 hours) which includes a 42% shift premium pay

Desirable experience:

• Understanding of electrical test principles used for Power MOSFET products
• Knowledge of silicon substrate and epitaxy requirements for high‑performance, high‑efficiency power semiconductor devices

Interview process

• Stage 1: Recruiter review
• Stage 2: 30‑minute Teams interview
• Stage 3: 60-90 minute on‑site interview and site tour

What your benefits will include

Remuneration & Reward – Starting salary of £34,000, plus up to 42% shift allowance for shift work, bonus scheme of up to 6%, excellent contributory pension scheme of up to 9%, recognition rewards scheme, EV salary sacrifices scheme, income protection, and 12× salary life assurance.

Health & Wellbeing – 33 days of annual leave (equivalent), flexible benefits scheme, enhanced parental leave, on‑site medical centre, enhanced sick pay, subsidised canteen, employee assistance programme, retail and entertainment reductions, and a variety of sports and social clubs.

Professional Development – Access to a wide range of courses through the Nexperia Academy and Learning Management System, alongside opportunities to undertake Lean Six Sigma training. structured goal‑setting, and personalised development plans. You’ll benefit from significant growth opportunities across both technical and management pathways, with clear progression supported by structured goal-setting and personalised development plans.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability – A global commitment to becoming carbon‑neutral by 2035, working with suppliers who comply with the Nexperia Supplier Code of Conduct, and paid time off for every employee to support charitable work.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Corporate members of Neurodiversity in Business and a Disability Confident Employer. Dedicated Employee Resource Groups for Neuroinclusion, the LGBTQ+ community and Women in Nexperia, with a commitment to increasing women in management positions to 30% by 2030.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Please note the closing date for this opportunity will be Monday 29th June 2026.

Talent acquisition based on Nexperia vacancies is not appreciated. Nexperia job adverts are Nexperia copyright © material and the word Nexperia® is a registered trademark.

D&I Statement

As an equal-opportunity employer, Nexperia values diversity not just because it is the right thing to do but because diverse teams perform better. We are dedicated to being inclusive, and a proof point of this dedication is that we were the main partner of the very first Dutch Paralympic Team NL House during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all, and we consider all applicants fairly, as well as providing a safe work environment and reasonable adjustments where requested.

In addition, we offer our colleagues the possibility to join employee resource groups such as the Pride Network Group or global and local Women's groups. Nexperia is committed to increasing women in management positions to 30% by 2030.