Production Operator (Clean Room)

Salary: £29,945.88 – £32,863.69 per annum

Working Pattern: 38.5 hours per week (continental shift pattern)

The Cleanroom Operator is responsible for carrying out controlled manufacturing processes across multiple cleanroom cells to produce high‑precision thin‑film sensors. This role ensures consistent product quality, equipment safety, and strict adherence to contamination‑control standards while maintaining high throughput and batch accuracy.

The role provides the opportunity for development and has an incremental salary scale. Following the successful completion of a 6-month probation period operators are expected, and supported, to move through the tiers by developing skills/experience and demonstrating our core values. The successful candidates will be appointed on the appropriate tier dependant on their competency level.

Job Description

Main duties and Responsibilities:

Operational

• Work within ISO‑controlled cleanroom environments following full gowning and contamination‑control protocols.
• Execute wafer/substrate handling, movement, and staging between cleanroom cells.
• Follow all DOIs, batch sheets precisely.
• Operate Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) tools for metal deposition.
• Operate Plasma‑Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD) tools for dielectric and passivation layers.
• Verify film thickness, uniformity, and equipment cleanliness before and after runs.
• Conduct chamber cleaning, target changes, and basic tool maintenance (TPM) as required.
• Operate spray coaters to apply uniform photoresist layers to 6 mm substrates.
• Run exposure tools and alignment systems to pattern thin‑film sensor.
• Perform resist development and profile checks (e.g., critical dimensions).
• Maintain chemical‑safety standards when handling resists, solvents, and developers.
• Operate Ion Beam Milling (IBM) tools to etch precise features into thin‑film stacks.
• Monitor beam parameters (current, energy, pressure) and track etch depth and uniformity.
• Record endpoint measurements and ensure etched sensor structures meet specification.
• Maintain accurate batch records, process logs, measurement sheets, and electronic databases.
• Escalate any deviations, tool errors, or unusual process behaviour immediately.
• Support engineering teams with recipe adjustments and qualification runs.

General

• Running process areas inclusive of machinery and wet benches
• Maintaining correct orientation and strict cleanliness
• Full batch traceability and documentation
• Recording defects, scrap, or deviations immediately
• Follow all EHS policies, including chemical handling procedures, vacuum‑system safety, PPE requirements, and high‑voltage test safety.
• Support ISO9001, IATF16949, and customer‑specific audit requirements through disciplined documentation and best‑practice operation.
• Identify and report contamination risks, unsafe conditions, or potential product escapes.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured work instructions.
• Comfortable operating high‑precision semiconductor/cleanroom machinery.
• Good communication, problem‑solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain concentration during repetitive or precise tasks.