At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative thin-film processes for advanced MicroLED display devices and drive process improvements.
- Company: Join Plessey, a pioneering tech company at the forefront of MicroLED innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative technology that will shape the future of displays and AI.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in relevant fields with significant industry experience in thin-film engineering.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 ÂŁ per hour.
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 microLED 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 MicroLEDs from lab innovation to high-volume production. Our future is even brighter. We believe MicroLEDs 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.
Values
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Commitment
- Care
Location
Located at our state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Plymouth.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and innovative Team Lead for Films Technology to drive the development, optimisation, and integration of thin-film processes for advanced MicroLED display devices. This role oversees end-to-end technology development, including epitaxial layers, passivation films, optical coatings, buffer layers, and functional thin films critical to MicroLED performance, yield, and reliability. The ideal candidate has strong technical depth in semiconductor materials and thin-film engineering, along with proven leadership experience in guiding cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive process innovation to enhance device efficiency, reliability, uniformity, and surface quality.
- Take ownership of deposition process modules (PVD, ALD, PECVD, sputtering, evaporation, plating) and ensure stable, high-quality film performance.
- Work closely with epitaxy, device, and integration teams to define film requirements and deliver optimised stack architectures.
- Establish and refine process windows through DOE, SPC, and data‑led analysis.
- Identify and resolve thin-film defect mechanisms such as particles, stress, adhesion, moisture ingress, and interface issues.
- Support reliability engineering by assessing film stability under thermal, optical, electrical, and environmental stress.
- Utilise advanced metrology (SEM, TEM, AFM, ellipsometry, XRR, XPS, SIMS, etc.) to ensure film quality and process control.
- Act as Tool Owner for assigned equipment, maintaining tool performance, uptime, safety, and accurate documentation.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, enhance tool capability, and troubleshoot complex tool or process issues.
- Provide day‑to‑day leadership to the module team, including line management of Apprentices, Graduates, Engineers, and Senior Engineers.
- Conduct performance reviews, set objectives, and support the technical and professional development of team members.
- Oversee resource planning to ensure effective deployment of personnel, equipment, and expertise across projects.
- Collaborate with the Module Manager to align team activities with broader project and company objectives.
Experience & Attributes
- Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.
- Significant industry experience (7+ years) in thin-film engineering within the semiconductor industry.
- Practical expertise in thin-film deposition (PVD, ALD, PECVD, MOCVD, sputtering, evaporation).
- Strong background in microfabrication and device process integration.
- Proven experience leading engineers, projects, or technical teams.
- Demonstrated tool ownership.
- Strong technical judgement and decision‑making skills.
- Effective cross‑functional communication and collaboration.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills, particularly in ambiguous or fast‑moving environments.
- Ability to prioritise and deliver within tight development cycles.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to plan roadmaps and guide technology direction.
Advantage
- Experience with GaN-based device processing and characterisation.
- Good understanding of MicroLED device architecture, materials challenges, and reliability mechanisms.
- Previous line management experience.
- Knowledge of optical coatings and light‑management films used in display devices.
- Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing (HVM) processes and scaling challenges.
- Experience in defect engineering, surface passivation, or interfacial film optimisation.
- Strong data analysis, statistical modeling, and experiment design capabilities.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Part‑time
Job Function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Software Development
Process Team Lead - Studentjob.co.uk in England employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Team Lead - Studentjob.co.uk in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the semiconductor and microLED industries. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Plessey and their recent innovations. Understand their values of innovation, collaboration, commitment, and care. Tailor your responses to show how you embody these values and can contribute to their exciting future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in thin-film engineering and leadership. The more comfortable you are discussing your skills, the more confident you'll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Plessey and contributing to their groundbreaking work in microLED technology.
We think you need these skills to ace Process Team Lead - Studentjob.co.uk in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Process Team Lead. Highlight your experience in thin-film engineering and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about MicroLED technology and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about joining Plessey.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven process innovation or improved efficiency in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of thin-film processes and semiconductor materials. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like PVD, ALD, and PECVD, as well as how they relate to MicroLED technology. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also understand the technical depth required.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of your past leadership experiences. Talk about how you've guided cross-functional teams, resolved conflicts, or driven process improvements. Highlighting your ability to manage and develop talent will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in fast-paced environments. Think of scenarios where you've identified and resolved thin-film defects or improved process efficiency. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Align with Company Values
Plessey values innovation, collaboration, commitment, and care. During the interview, weave these values into your responses. Share how you've demonstrated these traits in your previous roles, particularly in driving innovation or collaborating with diverse teams. This will show you're a great cultural fit.