Senior Equipment Engineer

Job description

About us

Plessey has a long history of innovation. Founded in 1956, we have evolved from one of Europe’s earliest semiconductor pioneers into the world’s most advanced Micro

LED specialist. Over the decades, Plessey has built a first class, fully integrated platform designing, manufacturing, and engineering next‑generation display technologies entirely in house. This end to end capability, combined with our strong IP portfolio, uniquely positions us to lead the scaling of Micro

LEDs from lab innovation to high-volume production.

Our future is even brighter. We believe Micro

LEDs will define the next era of technology—powering ultra‑efficient AR/VR displays, driving optical processors that make AI faster and more sustainable, and enabling devices yet to be imagined. With our unique expertise and talented team, we are positioned to lead this transformation.

It’s an exciting time to join us:
Plessey has recently been acquired by Haylo Labs, accelerating our growth and opening new opportunities.

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Commitment
• Care

Located at our head office and state‑of‑the‑art fabrication facility in Plymouth.

We are looking for a Senior Equipment Engineer to provide support across the Films & MOCVD technology teams. You will provide technical leadership, tool ownership, and continuous improvement within our semiconductor manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for maximising equipment uptime, yield, reliability, and process stability, while also driving innovation in tool performance, automation, and preventative maintenance.

• Own assigned tools end-to-end, including uptime, availability and process stability.
• Proactively monitor equipment performance against defined targets, proactively addressing issues to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with process, maintenance, production, facilities, and quality teams, as well as external tool vendors and R&D partners, to ensure equipment reliability, optimise performance, and support technology advancement.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure spare parts availability to support optimal tool performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to keep tools operating at peak condition.
• Keep up to date on the latest upgrades and enhancements that improve process quality and equipment reliability,
• Benchmark tool performance against industry standards and partner with vendors to achieve and sustain top‑tier results.
• Anticipate and manage part obsolescence risks by developing robust contingency plans
• Support the successful installation, qualification, and integration of new tools into fab operations.

• HNC (or equivalent) in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5 + years of hands‑on experience in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience supporting, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex semiconductor equipment.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering principles.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, and technical drawings to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
• Demonstrated tool ownership experience, including responsibility for uptime, yield support, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• Experience working within cleanroom environments, following EHS, safety, and contamination control procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a structured approach to fault finding and root cause analysis.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Clear and concise technical communication skills, including documentation and verbal updates.
• Demonstrates ownership mentality, accountability, and a proactive approach to equipment performance.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify and implement equipment or process enhancements.

• Hands on experience with Films tools such as PVD, ALD, PECVD, sputtering, evaporation or Plating.
• Hands‑on experience with MOCVD tools, specifically Gallium Phosphide (GaP) systems, experience with Aixtron and/or Veeco MOCVD tools.