Process Development Team Lead in Plymouth

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.

Location: Located at our head office and state‑of‑the‑art fabrication facility in Plymouth.

About the Role: As we continue to grow, we have an exciting opportunity for a Team Lead to join our team. This is a highly technical role where you will identify and solve complex technical challenges while further developing your leadership capabilities and developing a high performing technical team.

Key Responsibilities:

• You will combine technical leadership, team management, and cross‑functional coordination to support the successful development and delivery of our technology.
• Working closely with epitaxy, process engineering, operations, quality, test, and program management teams, you will ensure the efficient execution of development activities and the successful achievement of project milestones.
• You will define, maintain, and continuously mature process development flows and integration stages, driving improvements in performance, scalability, and manufacturability.
• The role requires identifying and resolving complex technical challenges impacting device performance, process uniformity, and electrical or process yield, while driving innovation through the development of novel MicroLED process architectures.
• You will be responsible for your team’s technical documentation, reporting, and development planning, coordinating development runs and effectively utilising development technicians to maintain process continuity across day and night shifts.
• In addition, you will lead, develop, and mentor a team of development engineers, supporting their professional growth through structured training, conference participation, and internal and external technical seminars.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:

• A PhD in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years hands‑on experience developing and optimising III‑V semiconductor fabrication processes in a cleanroom environment.
• Strong experience in AlGaInP‑based optoelectronic devices, including Red LEDs, MicroLEDs, laser diodes, or related III‑V semiconductor technologies; experience with Red MicroLEDs or AlGaInP LED technologies would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in epitaxial structure optimisation, device physics, semiconductor process integration, and performance improvement of III‑V optoelectronic devices.
• Demonstrated track record of improving External Quantum Efficiency (EQE), Wall Plug Efficiency (WPE), optical output power, yield, and reliability through device, epitaxial, and process optimisation.
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor device physics and semiconductor process techniques including lithography, etch, CVD, PVD, evaporation, ALD, and IBD.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, CAM systems, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical decisions across cross‑functional teams.
• Proactive mindset, and the ability to inspire and support others within a fast‑paced development environment.
• You should have a proven ability to contribute to or lead technical projects, coordinate across functions, and drive work to completion in a structured and methodical way.
• Previous management experience would be an advantage; however, we are equally interested in individuals with strong leadership potential, we have a structured development path at Plessey where you will be well supported in your role.