The Role
Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes while coordinating with Technical Process Leads and managing engineering teams. Drive continuous improvement and ensure process stability in production.
Summary Generated by Built In
Reporting to the Module Engineering Director. This is a new role, created to support growth and scale, leading the development, optimisation, and control of manufacturing processes within our module engineering function.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and qualification of manufacturing processes for module-level technology including Epitaxy, Thin Films, Etch, Photolithography, CMP & Bonding & Coring & Test.
- Provide leadership and coordination for Technical Process Leads, who have a dotted-line reporting relationship into this role, ensuring alignment on process standards, priorities, and execution, foster a collaborative approach across modules and lead best in class process engineering.
- Support fab expansion activities, including capacity ramp and line readiness & installation and commissioning of new equipment.
- Partner with supply chain and equipment vendors on tool selection, procurement, installation, and qualification.
- Drive continuous improvement and structured problem solving across processes, using data-driven approaches to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and deliver sustained performance improvements.
- Contribute to organisational development across the module, supporting team design, capability growth, and effective reporting of operational and engineering performance.
- Train and develop engineers and technicians.
- Support process transfer from R&D to production.
- Own process performance in production, ensuring stability and repeatability.
- Troubleshoot process-related issues and implement corrective actions.
- Work closely with manufacturing teams to resolve line issues and minimise downtime.
- Collaborate with equipment engineering on tool selection, setup, and qualification.
- Ensure processes are aligned with equipment capability and constraints.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, or related field).
- Proven experience in process engineering within the semiconductor space.
- Broad technical knowledge across relevant process and module technologies, with the ability to earn the trust and respect of Technical Process Leads and subject matter experts.
- Proven experience driving continuous improvement and structured problem solving in a manufacturing environment, delivering measurable improvements in yield, quality, or efficiency.
- Strong understanding of process control, yield improvement, and root cause analysis.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to build trust, motivate teams, and drive engagement.
- Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Proactive, can-do attitude with a curious and inquisitive mindset, driven to deliver results with high level of ownership and accountability.
- Experience managing or mentoring engineering teams.
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
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, or related field)
- Proven experience in process engineering within the semiconductor space
- Broad technical knowledge across relevant process and module technologies
- Experience driving continuous improvement and structured problem solving in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of process control, yield improvement, and root cause analysis
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing or mentoring engineering teams
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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.
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