Principal Sub Fab Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Plymouth, Plymouth, Plymouth

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all activities within the sub-fab area to provide a continuous and safe supply of gases and chemicals to wafer fab equipment 
• Lead and support cross-functional engineering projects aimed at improving tool performance, reliability, and automation 
• Design and implement custom hardware and sensor integrations to enhance tool functionality and monitoring 
• Oversee and maintain gas cabinets (housing gas bottles for production tools), vacuum pumps, by-product abatement systems, and chemical (acid and solvent) bulk dispense systems 
• Own assigned tools and equipment, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Perform routine chemical and gas system checks, maintain and troubleshoot equipment, replace supplies, and carry out scheduled maintenance 
• Maintain and update relevant databases (e.g., pumps, PPE inventory) and coordinate repairs or refurbishments as required 
• Lead deployment and adoption of FDC systems across new and existing fab tools, including installation, configuration, tool connectivity, and serving as the sub-fab FDC point of contact while supporting engineering teams. 
• Offer out-of-hours support when required to maintain uptime and resolve critical issues 
• Apply advanced fault-finding and troubleshooting across electro-mechanical, electrical, and electronic subsystems 
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on tool upgrades, retrofits, and performance optimisation initiatives 
• Contribute to projects involving data acquisition, networking, and system interfacing to improve fab-wide diagnostics and automation 
• Occasionally perform forklift operations and ensure all tasks are carried out safely and in compliance with PPE and safety protocols

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum HNC in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (preferred), or Mechanical Engineering with strong electronics experience. 
• Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, with the ability to understand and work with complex electromechanical systems. 
• 10+ years’ experience in a high-tech maintenance environment, demonstrating senior-level technical knowledge and leadership. 
• Proven troubleshooting and analytical skills, particularly in electronics, system diagnostics, and fault detection. 
• Experience with data-driven diagnostics, SPC charting, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. 
• High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office tools, for reporting, analysis, and project management. 
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive operational and process improvements. 
• Strong team-working, mentoring, and coaching skills. 
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem anticipation, and the ability to take charge when issues arise. 
• Experience contributing to audits, project management, and high-level meetings, providing informed technical input and guidance. 

Benefits

• Pension scheme 
• Private medical & dental insurance 
• 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays 
• Free onsite meals 
• Onsite gym 
• Relocation support 
• Visa support available