About Plessey
We’re building the hardware foundation for next-era computing.
Plessey is a world-leading technology company driving the next generation of photonic devices and systems. With over 70 years of innovation, we combine research, materials science, process engineering, and manufacturing under one roof. We’re recognised as a global authority in microLED displays, optical computing, and optical interconnects.
Join us to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of light-based technology and computing.
Our values
Lead
We don’t follow industry trends; we create them, pushing boundaries and setting standards others aspire to. Every team member has the power to make decisions, drive change, and deliver excellence. We support each other, challenge one another for the best solutions, and lead by example. Together, we build industries and technologies that shape the future and scale toward our vision of the next era of computing.
Grow
We expand our capabilities every day — deepening our expertise, improving how we work, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Curiosity fuels us: we question assumptions, explore new ideas, and innovate with light-based technologies. By investing in and empowering our people, we strengthen Plessey’s impact and help shape the future of optical technology.
Trust
We operate like a family—honest, reliable, and supportive. We have each other’s backs, own our actions, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety. We trust each other to deliver, our customers to challenge us, and our expertise to guide the way. Together, trust enables the collaboration essential for breakthrough innovation and lasting impact.
Location
Located at our head office and state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Plymouth.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Process Development Engineer to support the transfer of advanced microLED fabrication processes from R&D into high-volume manufacturing. This role is critical in ensuring robust, scalable, and high-yield processes across production sites. You will work cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing, equipment engineering, and quality teams to successfully industrialise next-generation microLED technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute process transfer activities from development to high volume production.
- Translate R&D process flows into stable, repeatable production recipes.
- Optimise process parameters to achieve target yield, performance, and reliability.
- Collaborate with equipment engineering teams to ensure tool matching and qualification.
- Analyse process data and drive root cause analysis for yield or performance issues.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs and control plans.
- Implement and monitor Statistical Process Control (SPC) to ensure process stability
- Analyse process capability and drive improvements using Cp/Cpk metrics
- Support pilot line builds and ramp-up activities.
- Interface with external partners and suppliers for technology transfer and scale-up.
- Willingness to travel internationally (up to 20–30%) to support process transfer, tool qualification, and ramp activities across partner fabs and manufacturing sites.
- Support with other development activities within the Process development team.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or PHD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
- 2–5+ years of industry experience in semiconductor processing with broad experience in semiconductor process techniques, including but not limited to lithography (stepper and mask aligner), etch (RIE, ICP and wet etch), CVD, PVD, Evaporation, ALD, IBD.
- Experience in microLED, LED, or compound semiconductor (e.g., GaN or InP) technologies.
- Experience with process transfer or technology transfer methodologies.
- Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk).
- Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Flexible and can do attitude.
- Strong cross-functional communication.
- Analytical thinking and structured problem solving.
- Ability to work in fast-paced, scale-up environments.
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation skills.
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