Graduate Engineer

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd in Plymouth seeks a highly motivated Graduate Process Engineer to join our Process Engineering team, specialising in Ellipsometry and thin-film characterisation. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to develop expertise in optical metrology, process control, and data analysis within a high-technology manufacturing and R&D environment.

You will operate ellipsometry systems, help develop measurement recipes, analyse data for trends, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present technical information clearly through written reports and presentations.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain ellipsometry systems for thin-film and surface characterisation.
• Develop, validate, and optimise measurement recipes for new products and processes.
• Analyse process and metrology data to identify trends, variations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support process qualification, capability studies, and root cause investigations.
• Collaborate with production, quality, R&D, and equipment engineering teams to resolve technical issues.
• Generate and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and technical reports.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing yield, throughput, and measurement accuracy.
• Assist with statistical process control (SPC) monitoring and data reporting.
• Support equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Electronic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Semiconductor Engineering

Tools

Ellipsometry

Job description

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. Together, we build industries and technologies that shape the future and scale toward our vision of the next era of computing.

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. By investing in and empowering our people, we strengthen Plessey's impact and help shape the future of optical technology.

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. We trust each other to deliver, our customers to challenge us, and our expertise to guide the way. Together, trust enables the collaboration essential for breakthrough innovation and lasting impact.

Location

Located at our head office and state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Plymouth.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Graduate Process Engineer to join our Process Engineering team, specialising in Ellipsometry and thin-film characterisation. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to develop expertise in optical metrology, process control, and data analysis within a high-technology manufacturing and R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain ellipsometry systems for thin-film and surface characterisation.
• Develop, validate, and optimise measurement recipes for new products and processes.
• Analyse process and metrology data to identify trends, variations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support process qualification, capability studies, and root cause investigations.
• Collaborate with production, quality, R&D, and equipment engineering teams to resolve technical issues.
• Generate and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and technical reports.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing yield, throughput, and measurement accuracy.
• Assist with statistical process control (SPC) monitoring and data reporting.
• Support equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Electronic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Semiconductor Engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present technical information clearly through written reports and presentations.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Advantage

• Knowledge of ellipsometry, optical metrology, spectroscopy, or thin-film characterisation techniques.
• Familiarity with semiconductor, photonics, coatings, display, or advanced materials manufacturing.
• Experience gained through university projects, internships, placements, or laboratory work.