Principal Process Development Engineer

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company in Long Eaton is looking for a Principal Process Development Engineer to lead the development of fabrication processes for Micro LED and Optical Computing technologies. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. and over three years of experience in semiconductor process development. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside hands-on experience in clean-room environments. This role offers a unique opportunity for innovation and leadership in a fast-paced team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of extensive experience in process development within semiconductor or related industries.
• Hands-on experience in a clean-room environment.
• Expert knowledge of Micro LED and Optical Computing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimisation of fabrication processes for Micro LED and Optical Computing devices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on process development and architecture.
• Conduct planning, analysis of data, and present insights to management.

Skills

Advanced fabrication techniques

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Python for data analysis

Risk analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or relevant field

Tools

JMP

Python

CAM systems

Job description

About the Role

Seeking a Principal Process Development Engineer with deep expertise in process development, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, hands‑on experience with advanced fabrication and characterization techniques, and a proven ability to lead cross‑functional R&D initiatives. Join a fast‑growing Process Development team pushing the boundaries of innovation in Micro LED and Optical Computing. Around 60% of your time will be spent in a state‑of‑the‑art cleanroom advancing process development, and the other 40% on planning, analysing data, and presenting insights to management.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and optimisation of fabrication processes for Micro LED and Optical Computing devices. Work on all stages of process development, defining process architecture, developing process modules, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams.

Experience & Attributes

• A Ph.D. degree in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or a relevant subject covering the field of III‑V semiconductor devices.
• 3+ years of extensive experience in process development within semiconductor, display, or related high‑tech industries.
• Expert knowledge of Micro LED, Photonics, and/or Optical compute technologies.
• Hands‑on experience developing and optimising III‑V (ideally III‑N) semiconductor device fabrication processes in a clean‑room environment.
• Knowledge of semiconductor device physics.
• Broad experience in semiconductor process techniques, including lithography (stepper and mask aligner), etch (RIE, ICP, wet etch), CVD, PVD, evaporation, ALD, IBD.
• Design of Experiments and statistical analysis techniques.
• Expertise in LED performance metrics and measurement techniques such as IV response, electroluminescence, EQE (advantageous).
• Working knowledge of CAM systems and SPC.
• Ability to communicate clearly and present design decisions to cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with risk analysis and design review processes.
• Track record of innovation, process optimisation, and scaling new technologies.
• Experience with JMP or Python for data analysis.
• Experience with mask design.