At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of advanced epitaxial growth processes for cutting-edge photonic devices.
- Company: Join Plessey, a leader in next-generation light-based technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with mentorship opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of computing with breakthrough technologies in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in AsP epitaxy and a hands-on, problem-solving mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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, optical computing, and optical interconnects. Join us to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of light-based technology and computing.
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.
Location
Located at our head office and state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Plymouth.
About the Role
- Develop and optimise III-AsP epitaxial growth processes using MOCVD for advanced device structures, ensuring high crystal quality, low defect density, and scalable manufacturability.
- Define suitable procedures/techniques for material characterisation.
- Design, plan, and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to systematically optimise MOCVD growth parameters.
- Analyse epitaxial characterisation data and identify key process drivers influencing crystal quality, interface abruptness, and electrical performance.
- Collaborating with R&D, you will take full technical ownership of MOCVD process development, from early-stage epitaxial structure design through qualification and transfer to high-volume manufacturing.
- Define and establish robust MOCVD process windows, to ensure stable and repeatable epitaxial growth.
- Provide hands-on support when required for MOCVD reactor operation, including process setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and optimisation of growth conditions.
- Provide technical leadership within the MOCVD epitaxy module, supporting engineers in best practices for growth, reactor operation, and process control.
- Mentor and develop junior engineers.
- Document and update best practice procedure to be used for troubleshooting and training junior engineers.
- Research on current trends in the industry and academia concerning microLED technology, AR/VR, visual light communication and optical computing from publications, conference proceedings and patents.
- Contribute to technology roadmap development.
- Strong collaboration across device, integration, and manufacturing teams.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Proven experience involving AsP epitaxy for photonics including LEDs and uLEDs, edge emitting lasers, VCSELs, preferably on GaAs, preferably in the visible range.
- Experience in III-V on Si/Ge and Si photonics is also of interest.
- Experience scaling R&D processes into manufacturing.
- Previous and direct experience with relevant epitaxy tools.
- Highly hands-on and experimental mindset.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
- Comfortable working in lab and fab environments.
- Ability to translate device requirements into epitaxial structures.
- Ability to organise data in order to support the team to arrive at solutions efficiently, by focusing on appropriate issues.
- Be committed and contribute towards a continuous improvement operating environment.
- Proactive attitude and ability to work independently and task ownership.
Technical Lead employer: Plessey Semiconductors Ltd
Plessey is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives and every team member is empowered to lead and make impactful decisions. Located in Plymouth, our state-of-the-art facility fosters collaboration and growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a supportive family-like culture. Join us to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies in light-based computing, while enjoying a commitment to integrity, trust, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Plessey on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Technical Lead role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your MOCVD processes and epitaxy knowledge. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable discussing your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've mentored others or led projects in the past. Plessey values collaboration and trust, so highlight your ability to support and guide your team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Plessey family and contributing to the future of optical technology.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Lead role. Highlight your experience with MOCVD processes and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Plessey!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for photonics and how you can contribute to our innovative team. Let us know why you're excited about shaping the future of light-based technology with us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled challenges in epitaxy or manufacturing. We love candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our Plessey family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plessey Semiconductors Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of III-AsP epitaxy and MOCVD processes. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with relevant tools and how you've tackled challenges in the lab. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior engineers, be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight any experiences where you've supported others in best practices or driven change within a team. This will demonstrate that you embody Plessey's value of leadership.
✨Be Curious and Innovative
Plessey values curiosity and innovation, so come armed with questions about their current projects and future technology roadmaps. Discuss any recent trends in microLED technology or optical computing that excite you, and how you see yourself contributing to these areas.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key at Plessey, so be ready to talk about how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve collaborated with R&D or manufacturing teams to achieve common goals, as this aligns perfectly with their emphasis on teamwork.
