Technical Lead, Engineering, Systems Engineer

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 and optical interconnects.

Join us to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of light-based technology and computing

Based in Plymouth

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.

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.

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.

The Equipment Technical Lead plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of key manufacturing equipment within a high-performance production environment. Acting as the technical authority for assigned toolsets, this position drives equipment uptime, process stability, and operational readiness while supporting the safe and efficient delivery of production targets.

Working closely with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, and R&D teams, the Equipment Technical Lead leads technical problem-solving, supports the introduction of new technologies, and delivers improvement initiatives that enhance equipment capability, productivity, and long-term manufacturing performance.

• Serve as the module’s technical authority for MOCVD equipment technologies, setting standards for performance, reliability, and continuous improvement, while acting as a trusted subject matter expert and the recognised “go-to” resource for equipment-related technical leadership and guidance.
• Act as the primary technical escalation point for tool owners, ensuring timely and effective resolution of complex issues.
• Partner with module tool owners to identify, prioritise, and deliver equipment improvements that enhance stability, capability, and productivity.
• Provide critical technical review of programme requirements, ensuring feasibility, robustness, and alignment with operational strategy.
• Review and challenge tool owner CAPEX proposals and peer-review continuous improvement plans to ensure strong technical justification and business value.
• Champion and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the module to improve uptime, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with the Process Technical Lead on structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Work collaboratively with customers and stakeholders on project delivery, tool stability, and performance optimisation initiatives.
• Lead and support change management activities, including DCNs, ECNs, PCNs, process flows, PFMEAs, and control plans, ensuring technical integrity and compliance.
• Prepare and deliver clear, data-driven technical presentations to management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical development support to Tool Owners, fostering capability growth within the team.
• Define and align priorities for Engineers and Technicians, ensuring objectives are clear,…