The Role
Own end-to-end mask and reticle procurement and validation, translate design outputs into accurate mask orders, verify vendor mask data and fab readiness, act as technical interface among design, fabrication, and suppliers, and collaborate across teams while developing mask design skills.
Summary Generated by Built In
Join our team as a Mask Design Engineer and play a key role in developing next-generation semiconductor technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and develop mask designs.
- Own the end-to-end mask and reticle procurement process, including placing orders, managing workflows, and ensuring accurate and complete data submission to mask vendors.
- Drive fast, right-first-time ordering by translating design outputs into mask orders efficiently while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and quality.
- Validate vendor outputs by reviewing digitised and fractured mask data to ensure design intent is fully preserved through the mask manufacturing process.
- Ensure fab readiness by confirming all delivered masks are compatible with production tools and meet required manufacturing specifications.
- Act as the technical interface between design teams, fabrication sites, and mask suppliers, proactively resolving issues and ensuring clear communication across all parties.
- Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across design, process, and manufacturing teams to ensure timely, aligned, and reliable mask delivery schedules.
- You will also support other development activities as required.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
- At least 3 + years industry experience in semiconductor or photonics environments.
- Experience designing masks or layout.
- Hands-on experience with mask data flow / tape-out processes (e.g. GDSII, OASIS, data verification, fracturing concepts)
- Familiarity with EDA tools and design environments (e.g. layout viewers, mask data preparation tools, or verification tools).
- Understanding of design rules, lithography constraints, and manufacturability requirements.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality output.
- Eagerness to learn and develop technical expertise in mask design.
- Proactive, hands-on problem solver with a structured approach to work.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced development environment.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships.
- Comfortable working in an environment where precision and accuracy are critical.
Advantage
- Knowledge of IIIV materials.
Benefits
- Pension scheme
- Private medical & dental insurance
- 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
- Free onsite meals
- Onsite gym
- Relocation support
- Visa support available
About
About PlesseyWe’re building the hardware foundation for next-era computing.Plessey is a world-leading technology company driving the next generation of photonic devices and systems. With over 70 years of innovation, we combine research, materials science, process engineering, and manufacturing under one roof. We’re recognised as a global authority in microLED displays, optical computing, and optical interconnects.Join us to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of light-based technology and computing.LeadWe don’t follow industry trends; we create them, pushing boundaries and setting standards others aspire to. Every team member has the power to make decisions, drive change, and deliver excellence. We support each other, challenge one another for the best solutions, and lead by example. Together, we build industries and technologies that shape the future and scale toward our vision of the next era of computing.GrowWe expand our capabilities every day — deepening our expertise, improving how we work, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Curiosity fuels us: we question assumptions, explore new ideas, and innovate with light-based technologies. By investing in and empowering our people, we strengthen Plessey’s impact and help shape the future of optical technology.TrustWe operate like a family—honest, reliable, and supportive. We have each other’s backs, own our actions, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety. We trust each other to deliver, our customers to challenge us, and our expertise to guide the way. Together, trust enables the collaboration essential for breakthrough innovation and lasting impact.
Skills Required
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
- At least 2+ years industry experience in semiconductor or photonics environments (lithography, mask house, process integration, or device engineering).
- Familiarity with EDA tools and design environments (layout viewers, mask data preparation tools, verification tools).
- Understanding of design rules, lithography constraints, and manufacturability requirements.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality output.
- Eagerness to learn and develop technical expertise in mask design.
- Proactive, hands-on problem solver with a structured approach to work.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced development environment.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships.
- Comfortable working in an environment where precision and accuracy are critical.
- Good knowledge of device physics to support more complex designs.
- Hands-on experience with mask data flow / tape-out processes (GDSII, OASIS, data verification, fracturing concepts).
- Knowledge of III-V materials and previous mask design experience.
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Plessey is a UK-based technology company specializing in the design and manufacturing of advanced microLED display solutions. They utilize a proprietary GaN-on-Silicon platform to produce high-performance, high-density RGB pixel arrays for applications in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and other head-mounted display systems. The company operates integrated manufacturing facilities in Plymouth, England, focusing on the next generation of photonic technologies for computing and display engines.








