Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Department: R&D

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Plymouth

Description

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

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