Principal Epitaxy Engineer

Description

We are looking for a hands-on Principal Engineer to drive the development, optimisation and production support of epitaxial growth processes.

You will be one of the senior technical experts in our MOCVD epitaxy team. You will deliver III‑AsP process development, reactor performance and material quality, working closely with the device, integration and manufacturing teams to enable high-performance devices and manufacturing that can scale.

The role combines deep technical expertise with hands-on work. You will contribute to the technical direction of the epitaxy module and help develop the engineers around you.

Key Responsibilities

Process development

• Develop and optimise III‑AsP epitaxial growth processes using MOCVD for advanced device structures, with high crystal quality, low defect density and manufacturability at scale.
• Design, plan and run Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimise MOCVD growth parameters.
• Recommend suitable procedures and techniques for material characterisation.
• Analyse characterisation data and identify the key process drivers of crystal quality, interface abruptness and electrical performance.
• Help define robust MOCVD process windows for stable, repeatable growth.
• Work with R&D to move processes from early-stage epitaxial structure design through qualification and transfer to high-volume manufacturing.
• Translate device requirements into epitaxial structure designs.

Hands-on reactor work

• Provide hands-on MOCVD reactor support, including process setup, calibration, troubleshooting and optimisation of growth conditions.
• Act as a go-to expert for advice and support on complex growth and reactor issues.

Technical contribution

• Contribute to the technical direction of the epitaxy module, and share best practice in growth, reactor operation and process control.
• Contribute to technology roadmap development.
• Research current trends in industry and academia in MicroLED, AR/VR, visible light communication and optical interconnects through publications, conference proceedings and patents.
• Contribute to IP generation, technical reports and publications where appropriate.

People and collaboration

• Mentor and develop engineers in the epitaxy team.
• Write and update best-practice procedures for troubleshooting and for training engineers.
• Work closely with the device, integration and manufacturing teams.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Extensive, proven experience in III‑AsP epitaxy by MOCVD for photonic devices, such as LEDs and µLEDs, detectors, edge-emitting lasers or VCSELs.
• Experience taking epitaxial R&D processes into manufacturing.
• Direct, hands-on experience with MOCVD reactors and related epitaxy tools.
• Ability to translate device requirements into epitaxial structures.
• Strong experience with DOE, data analysis and epitaxial characterisation techniques.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
• Highly hands-on and experimental mindset.
• Comfortable working in lab and fab environments.
• Ability to organise and present data so the team can reach solutions efficiently.
• Proactive, independent and takes ownership of tasks.

Desirable

• Experience with visible-range devices on GaAs substrates.
• Experience with III‑V on Si or Ge, or with silicon photonics.
• A PhD in materials science, physics, electronic engineering or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience mentoring engineers.
• Patents or publications in epitaxy or compound semiconductors.

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Private medical & dental insurance
• 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Free onsite meals
• Onsite gym
• Relocation support
• Visa support available

About Plessey Semiconductors

About Plessey

We’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.

Lead

We 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.

Grow

We 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.

Trust
We 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.