Lead VCSEL Engineer: Shape Next-Gen Optics & Manufacturing

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical & dental insurance

28 days’ holiday + bank holidays

Free onsite meals

Onsite gym

Relocation support

Visa support available

Job summary

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd in Plymouth, UK seeks a Principal Engineer to act as technical authority for VCSEL and surface-emitting laser technologies. You will stay hands-on while shaping the strategy, leading device concept validation and transfer to manufacturing.

The role requires leading design, modelling, testing and collaboration across R&D, engineering and manufacturing teams, with a focus on next-generation interconnect devices.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or related field, or MSc with equivalent experience.
• Significant R&D in III-V semiconductors with VCSEL focus.
• Proven device physics and design know-how.
• Experience moving tech to manufacturing.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Report to Director of New Technologies and shape roadmap for VCSEL devices.
• Lead architecture, cavity and DBR mirror design.
• Identify emerging tech in VCSELs, microLEDs and interconnects.
• Develop IP and drive patents.
• Mentor engineers and scientists across teams.
• Represent Plessey with partners, customers and collaborators.
• Define process development requirements and transfer to manufacturing.
• Assess manufacturability, yield and technical risk.
• Design, model and simulate VCSEL devices.
• Validate proof-of-concept devices and wafers.

Skills

VCSEL device design

Device characterization

Project leadership

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Analytical problem solving

Education

PhD in Physics

MSc with industrial experience

Tools

VCSEL simulation tools

Job description

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd in Plymouth, UK seeks a Principal Engineer to act as technical authority for VCSEL and surface-emitting laser technologies. You will stay hands-on while shaping the strategy, leading device concept validation and transfer to manufacturing.

The role requires leading design, modelling, testing and collaboration across R&D, engineering and manufacturing teams, with a focus on next-generation interconnect devices.