Principal Process Development Engineer

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Roborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company in the UK is seeking a Principal Process Development Engineer. The successful candidate will lead the development of fabrication processes for MicroLED and Optical Computing devices while working in a cleanroom environment. They will require a PhD and substantial experience in process development. This role offers an innovative, fast-paced environment with a focus on advancing groundbreaking technologies.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor process development.
• Expert knowledge of MicroLED or photonics technologies.
• Hands-on experience in a clean-room environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimisation of fabrication processes.
• Define process architecture and work on process modules.
• Implement opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Skills

Process development

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Innovation

Communication

Education

PhD in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Material Science

Tools

JMP

Python

Job description

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 characterisation 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 MicroLED 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 MicroLED and Optical Computing devices.
• Work on all stages of process development, defining process architecture, developing process modules, and working with process development tool owners to develop and optimise pixel performance.
• Constantly seek out and implement opportunities for innovation and improvement in the products and processes.
• Participate in risk assessments and design reviews.
• Identify the requirements for new tooling to support the MicroLED and Optical Computing development roadmap, including defining process recipe specifications and aligning with the process tool owner.
• Leverage your R&D and process development experience to drive progress within a high‑performing, results‑oriented team.

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Material Science, or any 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 MicroLED or 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, and wet etch), CVD, PVD, evaporation, ALD, IBD.
• Design of Experiments and statistical analysis techniques.
• Expert experience with LED performance matrix and its measurement techniques such as IV response, electroluminescence, EQE (advantageous).
• Working knowledge of CAM systems and SPC.
• Ability to communicate clearly and design decisions to cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with risk analysis and design review processes.

Advantages

• Track record of innovation, process optimisation, and scaling new technologies.
• Experience with JMP or Python for data analysis.