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.
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 state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Plymouth.
About the Role
Seeking a Principal Process Development Engineer with deep expertise in process development, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, hands-on experience with advanced fabrication and characterization techniques, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional R&D initiatives.
Join a fast-growing Process Development team pushing the boundaries of innovation in MicroLED and Optical Computing. Around 60% of your time will be spent in a state-of-the-art cleanroom advancing process development, and the other 40% on planning, analysing data, and presenting insights to management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and optimisation of fabrication processes for MicroLED and Optical Computing devices.
- You will work on all stages of process development, defining process architecture, developing process modules, working with process development tool owners to develop and optimise pixel performance.
- Constantly seek out and implement opportunities for innovation and improvement in the products and processes.
- Participate in risk assessments and design reviews.
- Identify the requirements for new tooling to support the MicroLED and Optical Compute development roadmap, including defining process recipe specifications and aligning with the process tool owner.
- Leverage your R&D and process development experience to drive progress within a high-performing, results-oriented team.
Experience & Attributes
- A PhD degree in either of Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Material science or any relevant subject covering the field of III-V semiconductor devices.
- 3+ years of extensive experience in process development within semiconductor, display, or related high-tech industries.
- Expert knowledge of MicroLED or Photonics and/or Optical compute technologies.
- Hands on experience of developing and optimising III- V, ideally III – N, semiconductor device fabrication processes in clean room environment.
- Knowledge of semiconductor device physics.
- 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.
- Design of Experiments and statistical analysis techniques.
- Expert experience of LED performance matrix and its measurement techniques such as IV response, Electroluminescence, EQE will be advantageous.
- Working knowledge of CAM systems and SPC .
- Ability to communicate clearly, design decisions to cross-functional teams.
- Experience of risk analysis and design review processes.
Advantage
- Track record of innovation, process optimisation, and scaling new technologies.
- Experience with JMP or Python for data analysis.
- Experience with mask design.
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