The Role
Leads VCSEL and surface-emitting laser technology development from concept through proof-of-concept and manufacturing transfer. Responsibilities include device architecture, modelling, simulation, prototype fabrication, characterization, performance optimization, IP generation, manufacturability assessment, and technical roadmap development. The role mentors multidisciplinary teams and collaborates with R&D, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and academic partners on emerging photonic technologies including microLEDs and optical interconnects.
Summary Generated by Built In
The New Technologies Group identifies, evaluates and develops the emerging technologies that will shape Plessey's future products. The team turns new concepts into validated technologies, supports the company's technology roadmap and makes sure new developments transfer successfully into manufacturing.
As Principal Engineer, you'll be the technical authority for VCSEL and surface-emitting laser technologies within the group. You'll track the state of the art across industry and academia, set technical direction, propose new device concepts and lead them from first principles to proof-of-concept and on towards manufacture. The role suits someone who wants to shape strategy and still stay hands-on with the technology.
Key Responsibilities
- Report to the Director of New Technologies and shape the roadmap for next-generation VCSEL and optical interconnect devices.
- Act as the technical lead for VCSEL development, setting direction for device architecture, cavity and DBR mirror design, current and optical confinement, and array design.
- Identify and evaluate emerging technologies in VCSELs, microLEDs and optical interconnects, including high-speed datacom, sensing and co-packaged optics applications.
- Develop IP and drive high-quality invention generation, patent filings and strategic growth of the IP portfolio.
- Monitor competitor and academic developments and turn emerging opportunities into protectable IP.
- Design, model and simulate VCSEL devices, covering optical, electrical and thermal performance.
- Develop and validate proof-of-concept devices and prototype wafers, from design through fabrication and characterisation.
- Lead feasibility studies, device modelling and performance optimisation, including speed, efficiency, reliability and thermal behaviour.
- Define process development requirements and drive technology transfer into manufacturing.
- Assess manufacturability, scalability, yield and technical risk.
- Mentor engineers and scientists and act as a technical reference across R&D, engineering and manufacturing teams.
- Represent Plessey technically with partners, customers, suppliers and academic collaborators.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline, or an MSc with equivalent industrial experience.
- Significant industrial experience in III-V semiconductor R&D, with a strong focus on VCSELs or related surface-emitting lasers.
- In-depth knowledge of VCSEL device physics and design: DBR mirrors, oxide or buried-tunnel-junction apertures, cavity design, modal control and thermal management.
- A proven track record of high-impact innovation, including substantial IP output (patents and invention disclosures).
- Experience taking new technologies from concept through proof-of-concept to manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience in device characterisation (LIV, spectral, high-speed and reliability testing), modelling and performance optimisation.
- Strong understanding of compound semiconductor fabrication processes and technology transfer.
- Experience leading technical projects and multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, including presenting to senior stakeholders.
Advantage
- Epitaxy experience, such as MOCVD or MBE growth, epi structure design or working closely with epi suppliers.
- Knowledge of microLEDs, optical interconnects, co-packaged optics or silicon photonics integration.
- Experience with VCSEL simulation tools, such as optical, electrical and thermal solvers.
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 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
- PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline, or an MSc with equivalent industrial experience
- Significant industrial experience in III-V semiconductor research and development, focused on VCSELs or related surface-emitting lasers
- In-depth knowledge of VCSEL device physics and design, including DBR mirrors, apertures, cavity design, modal control, and thermal management
- Track record of high-impact innovation, including patents and invention disclosures
- Experience taking technologies from concept through proof-of-concept to manufacturing
- Hands-on experience with device characterization, modelling, and performance optimization
- Strong understanding of compound semiconductor fabrication processes and technology transfer
- Experience leading technical projects and multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and senior-stakeholder presentation skills
- Epitaxy experience with MOCVD or MBE, epi structure design, or collaboration with epitaxy suppliers
- Knowledge of microLEDs, optical interconnects, co-packaged optics, or silicon photonics integration
- Experience with VCSEL optical, electrical, and thermal simulation tools
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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.
