Mask Design Engineer

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

Location: Based in Plymouth

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.
• 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.
• 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.

About the Role

Join our team as a Mask Design Engineer and play a key role in developing next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and develop mask designs.
• Own the end-to-end mask and reticle procurement process, including placing orders, managing workflows, and ensuring accurate and complete data submission to mask vendors.
• Drive fast, right-first-time ordering by translating design outputs into mask orders efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and quality.
• Validate vendor outputs by reviewing digitised and fractured mask data to ensure design intent is fully preserved through the mask manufacturing process.
• Ensure fab readiness by confirming all delivered masks are compatible with production tools and meet required manufacturing specifications.
• Act as the technical interface between design teams, fabrication sites, and mask suppliers, proactively resolving issues and ensuring clear communication across all parties.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across design, process, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely, aligned, and reliable mask delivery schedules.
• You will also support other development activities as required.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• At least 2+ years industry experience in semiconductor or photonics environments, ideally within lithography, mask house, process integration or device engineering teams.
• Experience designing masks.
• Hands-on experience with mask data flow / tape-out processes (e.g. GDSII, OASIS, data verification, fracturing concepts).
• Familiarity with EDA tools and design environments (e.g. layout viewers, mask data preparation tools, or verification tools).
• Understanding of design rules, lithography constraints, and manufacturability requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality output.
• Eagerness to learn and develop technical expertise in mask design.
• Proactive, hands-on problem solver with a structured approach to work.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced development environment.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Comfortable working in an environment where precision and accuracy are critical.

Advantage: Knowledge of IIIV materials.