Process Development Team Lead

Location

Plymouth

Basis

Full Time

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. 

Benefits
  • Pension scheme 
  • Private medical & dental insurance 
  • 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays 
  • Free onsite meals 
  • Onsite gym 
  • Relocation support 
  • Visa support available