Principal Equipment Engineer

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company in Plymouth seeks a Tool Owner for Coring and Test equipment to ensure peak performance and reliability of critical fab tools. You will collaborate across teams to support production and quality, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and provide expert guidance. Candidates should have a solid engineering background and a commitment to enhancing operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in a high-tech maintenance environment.
• Proficient in mechanical, electronic, and electrical engineering concepts.
• Ability to follow electrical drawings and circuit diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimise equipment performance.
• Manage tool-related spend and maintain performance standards.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Electro/mechanical systems understanding

Troubleshooting analytical skills

Attention to safety and quality standards

Effective communication skills

Education

HNC in Electrical or Electronic or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

About the Role

As the Tool Owner for Coring and Test equipment, you will ensure peak performance, reliability, and efficiency of critical fab tools. You will act as the technical expert, driving continuous improvement, optimising processes, and collaborating across teams to support production, quality, and technology advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and optimise equipment performance to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency
• Manage tool-related spend while maintaining performance standards
• Collaborate with process, maintenance, production, facilities, quality teams, external vendors, and R&D partners to ensure equipment reliability and innovation
• Maintain accurate documentation and spare part availability to support optimal tool operation
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to sustain peak tool performance
• Stay updated on upgrades and enhancements to improve process quality and equipment reliability
• Benchmark tool performance against industry standards and work with vendors to achieve top-tier results
• Anticipate and mitigate part obsolescence risks through robust contingency planning
• Support installation, qualification, and integration of new tools into fab operations
• Provide expert guidance, training, and maintenance support to shift engineers as needed
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards on assigned equipment
• Occasionally provide out-of-hours support and cover for other tool owners, including unfamiliar equipment

Experience & Attributes

• HNC in Electrical or Electronic or Mechanical Engineering
• Solid understanding of electro / mechanical systems which can be applied to new equipment types (how complex equipment systems operate)
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in a high tech maintenance environment
• Proficient in mechanical, electronic, and electrical engineering concepts
• Ability to follow electrical drawings and circuit diagrams to facilitate tool trouble shooting
• High level of computer literacy with ability to use Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel etc
• Ability to multi-task and work safely and effectively without close supervision
• Proven troubleshooting analytical skills and the ability to demonstrate this
• Strong fault finding techniques and problem solving skills
• Be committed and contribute towards a continuous improvement operating environment
• Organised, highly motivated and disciplined with a ‘Can Do’ attitude and a wish to be involved in the future success of Plessey
• Excellent team working and effective communication skills

Advantage

• Semiconductor equipment engineering experience
• Equipment tool ownership experience
• Experience of leading teams and taking responsibility for team performance