Technical Lead Epitaxy
Department: R&D
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Plymouth
We are seeking a hands-on Epitaxy Tech lead to drive the development, optimisation, and production support of epitaxial growth processes for our MicroLED technology.
You will report into R&D and will drive and execute the epitaxial process development, reactor performance, and material quality, while working closely with device, integration, and manufacturing teams to enable high-performance devices and scalable manufacturing.
This role combines technical leadership with hands-on work, using your expertise to directly advance our technology.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and optimise III-AsP epitaxial growth processes using MOCVD for advanced device structures, ensuring high crystal quality, low defect density, and scalable manufacturability.
* Define suitable procedures/techniques for material characterisation.
* Design, plan, and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) to systematically optimise MOCVD growth parameters.
* Analyse epitaxial characterisation data and identify key process drivers influencing crystal quality, interface abruptness, and electrical performance.
* Collaborating with R&D, you will take full technical ownership of MOCVD process development, from early-stage epitaxial structure design through qualification and transfer to high-volume manufacturing.
* Define and establish robust MOCVD process windows, to ensure stable and repeatable epitaxial growth.
* Provide hands-on support when required for MOCVD reactor operation, including process setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and optimisation of growth conditions.
* There will be a team of experienced Epitaxy Engineers but as one of the technical experts you will be the go to person to advise and support.
* Provide technical leadership within the MOCVD epitaxy module, supporting engineers in best practices for growth, reactor operation, and process control.
* Mentor and develop junior engineers.
* Document and update best practice procedure to be used for troubleshooting and training junior engineers.
* Research on current trends in the industry and academia concerning microLED technology, AR/VR, visual light communication and optical computing from publications, conference proceedings and patents.
* Contribute to technology roadmap development.
* Strong collaboration across device, integration, and manufacturing teams.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Proven experience involving AsP epitaxy for photonics including LEDs and uLEDs, edge emitting lasers, VCSELs, preferably on GaAs, preferably in the visible range. Experience in III-V on Si/Ge and Si photonics is also of interest.
* Experience scaling R&D processes into manufacturing.
* Previous and direct experience with relevant epitaxy tools.
* Highly hands-on and experimental mindset.
* Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
* Comfortable working in lab and fab environments.
* Ability to translate device requirements into epitaxial structures.
* Ability to organise data in order to support the team to arrive at solutions efficiently, by focusing on appropriate issues.
* Be committed and contribute towards a continuous improvement operating environment.
* Proactive attitude and able to work independently and task ownership.
Benefits
* Pension scheme
* Private medical & dental insurance
* 28 days’ holiday + bank holidaysFree onsite meals
* Onsite gym
* Relocation support
* Visa support available
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