Principal Process Development Engineer

About us

Plessey has a long history of innovation. Founded in 1956, we have evolved from one of Europe’s earliest semiconductor pioneers into the world’s most advanced Micro

LED specialist. Over the decades, Plessey has built a first class, fully integrated platform designing, manufacturing, and engineering next-generation display technologies entirely in-house. This end to end capability, combined with our strong IP portfolio, uniquely positions us to lead the scaling of Micro

LEDs from lab innovation to high-volume production.

Our future is even brighter. We believe Micro

LEDs will define the next era of technology—powering ultra-efficient AR / VR displays, driving optical processors that make AI faster and more sustainable, and enabling devices yet to be imagined. With our unique expertise and talented team, we are positioned to lead this transformation.

It’s an exciting time to join us:
Plessey has recently been acquired by Haylo Labs, accelerating our growth and opening new opportunities.

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Commitment
• Care

Located at our state‑of‑the‑art fabrication facility in Plymouth.

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 Micro

LED 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.

• Lead the development and optimisation of fabrication processes for Micro
  
  LED 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 Micro
  
  LED 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.

• A PhD degree in either 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 Micro
  
  LED 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.

• Track record of innovation, process optimisation, and scaling new technologies.
• Experience with JMP or Python for data analysis.
• Experience with mask design.