Team Lead – Films Technology

Plessey Semiconductors; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semiconductor company in Plymouth seeks an experienced Team Lead for Films Technology. Responsibilities include driving innovation in thin-film processes essential for advanced MicroLED display devices. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in semiconductor materials and considerable leadership experience. This role promotes cross-functional collaboration and focuses on optimizing device performance while managing a team of engineers. An attractive benefits package is available, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Cycle to work scheme

Group personal pension plan

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Subsidised gym

Private health and dental schemes

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Qualifications

• Significant industry experience (7 years) in thin-film engineering.
• Practical expertise in thin-film deposition processes.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive process innovation to enhance device efficiency.
• Take ownership of deposition process modules.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Thin-film engineering

Leadership experience

Problem-solving skills

Cross-functional communication

Education

Masters or PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Physics

Tools

SEM

TEM

PVD

ALD

PECVD

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Team Lead for Films Technology to drive the development optimisation and integration of thin-film processes for advanced MicroLED display devices. This role oversees end-to-end technology development including epitaxial layers passivation films optical coatings buffer layers and functional thin films critical to MicroLED performance yield and reliability. The ideal candidate has strong technical depth in semiconductor materials and thin-film engineering along with proven leadership experience in guiding cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive process innovation to enhance device efficiency reliability uniformity and surface quality
• Take ownership of deposition process modules (PVD ALD PECVD sputtering evaporation plating) and ensure stable high-quality film performance
• Work closely with epitaxy device and integration teams to define film requirements and deliver optimised stack architectures
• Establish and refine process windows through DOE SPC and data-led analysis
• Identify and resolve thin-film defect mechanisms such as particles stress adhesion moisture ingress and interface issues
• Support reliability engineering by assessing film stability under thermal optical electrical and environmental stress
• Utilise advanced metrology (SEM TEM AFM ellipsometry XRR XPS SIMS etc.) to ensure film quality and process control
• Act as Tool Owner for assigned equipment maintaining tool performance uptime safety and accurate documentation
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime enhance tool capability and troubleshoot complex tool or process issues
• Provide day-to-day leadership to the module team including line management of Apprentices Graduates Engineers and Senior Engineers
• Conduct performance reviews set objectives and support the technical and professional development of team members
• Oversee resource planning to ensure effective deployment of personnel equipment and expertise across projects
• Collaborate with the Module Manager to align team activities with broader project and company objectives

Experience & Attributes

• Masters or PhD in Materials Science Electrical Engineering Applied Physics or a related discipline
• Significant industry experience (7 years) in thin-film engineering within the semiconductor industry
• Practical expertise in thin-film deposition (PVD ALD PECVD MOCVD sputtering evaporation)
• Strong background in microfabrication and device process integration
• Proven experience leading engineers projects or technical teams
• Demonstrated tool ownership
• Strong technical judgement and decision-making skills

Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration

• Excellent problem-solving skills particularly in ambiguous or fast-moving environments
• Ability to prioritise and deliver within tight development cycles
• Strategic thinker with the ability to plan roadmaps and guide technology direction

Advantage

• Experience with GaN-based device processing and characterisation
• Good understanding of MicroLED device architecture materials challenges and reliability mechanisms

Previous line management experience

• Knowledge of optical coatings and light-management films used in display devices
• Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing (HVM) processes and scaling challenges
• Experience in defect engineering surface passivation or interfacial film optimisation

The Company

Plessey is working with world leaders in consumer technology who are paving the way with innovative next-generation Augmented Reality and wearable applications based on advanced microLED display solutions.

Challenging existing display technologies microLEDs are propelling forward a vast yet stagnated market changing the way we interact with our devices both for information and entertainment.

Drawing on over a decade of semiconductor and optoelectronics expertise Plessey has developed an award-winning unique and proprietary GaN-on-Silicon platform and monolithic process at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Life at Plessey

For more information visit

The Benefits

• Cycle to work scheme
• Group personal pension plan and life assurance
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Subsidised gym and subsidised canteen
• Private health and dental schemes
• Free on-site parking
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free fruit and hot drinks
• Employee referral scheme
• Technology & innovation awards programme
• Staff events
• Testimonials

Testimonials

Jacquiline Principal Process Engineer

Working with Plessey has opened many learning opportunities for me especially in R&D side of things. Most of my working experience has been with the manufacturing and product transfers. Here at Plessey I get to be involved in the actual development of new technologies. Also I am learning not just Lithography but the whole process itself. Its been a great experience so far.

Ross Device Engineer

Working for Plessey allows me to continually deepen my understanding of phenomena and characterisation techniques that are not just specific to uLED displays but apply to various applications within the semiconductor industry. With Plessey having a FAB on site there are a large range of amicable colleagues within reach who specialise in fields across the process starting from MOCVD specialists for GaN to experts in device testing and solid-state physics.