Lead Manufacturing Test Engineer

At Nexperia Manchester we are expanding our Test Process Engineering Team with the addition of a Lead Manufacturing Test Engineer. In this role, you will drive wafer test quality, lead improvement projects, optimise processes and explore automation opportunities. This is your chance to make a direct impact on product quality within a fast‑paced, global semiconductor manufacturer producing over 100 billion devices every year. What you will do As the Lead Engineer for Wafer Test, you will play a critical role in driving quality, stability and performance across the test area. You’ll combine hands‑on technical problem solving with people leadership, cross‑functional collaboration and structured improvement activities. Your focus will be on ensuring wafer test processes consistently meet Production and Quality standards, while developing the team and driving long‑term continuous improvement through systems such as Lean Six Sigma, Process and Step FMEA, and effective change control. This role gives you the opportunity to improve critical processes, explore automation solutions and lead high‑impact projects where your work directly influences customer satisfaction. You will also Deliver improvement activities aligned with annual business KPIs Own corrective actions to reduce assembly centre referrals, customer complaints and process deviations Maintain accurate, current FMEAs across all relevant processes Support New Product Introduction, ensuring manufacturability and capability standards are met Collaborate closely with assembly centres and fab manufacturing teams to resolve cross‑site issues and improve quality Manage area resources, including shift coverage, headcount planning and skills flexibility Coach, develop and upskill engineers and technicians, including conducting performance reviews and development planning What you will need Essential requirements: Degree level education in a relevant Engineering or STEM discipline – (or equivalent experience) 6+ years of hands-on experience in process optimisation and quality management within a fast-paced manufacturing environment Proven track record of delivering improvement projects Experience leading Continuous Improvement (CI) activities, including strong statistical data analysis skills Ability to work a rotating 12-hour shift pattern, 7am-7pm 4 days on, 4 days off Desirable Experience: Knowledge of MOSFET device physics Understanding of parametric testing methodologies and familiarity with failure analysis techniques Experience with automated inspection solutions or automation in quality/inspection environments Familiarity with relevant industry standards, including IATF‑16949 and ISO‑9001 Experience with quality management systems (QMS) and associated quality tools Six Sigma greenbelt or equivalent competency for process improvement planning Clear understanding of lean manufacturing principles, such as: SPC, FMEA, Kaizen, Zero Defects, Total Quality Management (TQM) ,Total Productive/Process Management (TPM) The Interview process Stage 1: Recruiter review Stage 2: 30 mins Teams Interview Stage 3: 60 mins on site Interview What your benefits will include: Remuneration & Reward – Starting base salary & combined shift allowance of Circa £69,000-£76000 (DOE), bonus scheme of up to 6% , excellent contributory pension scheme of up to 9% , recognition rewards scheme, EV salary sacrifice scheme, income protection, relocation and visa support & 12 x salary life assurance policy. Health & Wellbeing – 24.5 days annual leave + 182 roster days off, 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 – Opportunity to complete a leadership and management qualification, possibility for funded academic support up to PhD level, employee goal setting and development plans, huge growth potential both internally and globally within the business, in both management and technical pathways. Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability – A global commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035, working with suppliers who embrace and comply with the Nexperia Supplier Code of Conduct, and paid time off for every employee to support charitable work up 4 times per year. Diversity, Equity, and 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 increase women in management positions to 30% by 2030. Please note that for candidates based in Europe with a background in Semiconductor Manufacturing relocation and visa support can be offered. 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.