Senior Equipment Engineer

Plessey Semiconductors Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company is looking for a skilled engineer to support wafer-level test equipment in a cutting-edge micro-LED R&D environment. You will ensure equipment uptime, troubleshoot hardware/software issues, and collaborate with vendors. The role requires at least 5 years of experience in wafer test equipment engineering and a preferred HNC in a related field. This position is on-site in Plymouth, with a Monday to Friday schedule and occasional overtime required.

Qualifications

• A minimum HNC in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering is preferred or suitable experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in wafer test equipment engineering.
• Hands-on experience with wafer probers or automated test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair wafer probers and test equipment.
• Perform equipment setup, calibration, and configuration.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement improvement actions.

Skills

Troubleshooting and fault rectification

Analytical problem-solving

Multi-tasking

Education

HNC in Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Wafer probers (TEL and FormFactor)

Automated test equipment (Teradyne)

Job description

Plessey has a long history of innovation. Founded in 1956, we have evolved from one of Europe’s earliest semiconductor pioneers into the world’s most advanced microLED specialist. Over the decades, Plessey has built a first class, fully integrated platform designing, manufacturing, and engineering next-generation display technologies entirely in-house. This end to end capability, combined with our strong IP portfolio, uniquely positions us to lead the scaling of MicroLEDs from lab innovation to high-volume production.

Our future is even brighter. We believe MicroLEDs will define the next era of technology—powering ultra-efficient AR / VR displays, driving optical processors that make AI faster and more sustainable, and enabling devices yet to be imagined. With our unique expertise and talented team, we are positioned to lead this transformation.

It’s an exciting time to join us : Plessey has recently been acquired by Haylo Labs , accelerating our growth and opening new opportunities.

Location

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

Our Values

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Commitment
• Care

About the Role

This role involves supporting, maintaining, and improving wafer-level test equipment within a cutting-edge micro-LED R&D environment. You will be responsible for maximising equipment uptime, resolving hardware and software issues, performing scheduled maintenance and calibration, and driving continuous improvement.

The position also requires close collaboration with vendors and cross-functional teams to optimise wafer test performance and support equipment used in wafer-coring processes. The working pattern is Monday–Friday, 8 : 00–4 : 30 on-site in Plymouth, with occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair wafer probers and test equipment.
• Perform equipment setup, calibration and configuration of test instruments, probe cards, and test interfaces.
• Manage test equipment maintenance and vendor, tooling, and spare parts.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement improvement actions to enhance tool uptime, throughput, and quality.
• Support the execution of equipment qualification activities, evaluation and scheduled maintenance.
• Analyse test data to identify equipment-related yield issues and implement fixes.
• Collaborate with customers and vendors for equipment requirement and upgrade / modification to enable wafer testing capabilities.
• Create and maintain equipment documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure quality and safety standards and procedures are implemented on the defined equipment set.
• Provide technical training and support to shift engineers.

Experience & Attributes

• A minimum HNC in Electrical or Electronic or Mechanical Engineering is preferred or suitable experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in wafer test equipment engineering.
• Hands-on experience with wafer probers (TEL and FormFactor platforms) or automated test equipment (Teradyne platform).
• Good knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting and fault rectification methods.
• Strong commitment, analytical, problem-solving skills, and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to multi-task and work safely and effectively without close supervision.
• Understand SPC, DOE, FMEA, OCAP and data analysis methodologies.

Advantage

• Knowledge on wafer coring equipment such as wafer mounter, dicing and backgrind.