Principal Process Engineer
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Plymouth
Description
We are seeking a Principal Process Engineer to lead the photolithography development of our next generation MicroLED technologies. Joining a talented team, this role owns & drives lithography processes, equipment, and metrology, helping us achieve target CDs, low overlay error and high yield in a fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and optimise Photolithography process for cutting‑edge micro‑LED device fabrications.
* Design and execute DOEs to understand process behaviour and expand process windows.
* Serve as a lithography tool owner, maintain peak performance, troubleshoot issues and coordinate with equipment>
* Lead recipe optimisation and tool matching to ensure consistent, high quality outcomes.
* Utilise lithography metrology tools to monitor performance and implement continuous improvement.
* Analyse overlay budgets, critical dimensions (CD) trends and defect data to drive process enhancements.
* Establish statistical process control (SPC) systems and create clear, actionable process control dashboards.
* Investigate and perform root cause analysis for lithography‑related challenges, including CD drift, resist adhesion, profile defects, and overlay errors.
* Drive yield and repeatability improvements across all lithography modules.
* Collaborate with etch, deposition, CMP, and development teams to ensure seamless integration of lithography steps.
* Provide guidance on mask design, design rules, and alignment mark strategies.
* Prepare comprehensive training manuals, ARIs, TFPs, and technical reports for internal teams.
* Present process improvement plans and roadmap proposals to engineering teams and management.
* Mentor and guide junior engineers and technicians in training, troubleshooting, and technical development.
* Lead problem‑solving sessions and support data‑driven decision‑making across projects.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
* Over 5 years of hands‑on experience with photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, or pilot fabs.
* Skilled in using photolithography steppers, mask aligners, track systems, overlay measurement tools, and CD‑SEM equipment.
* Strong understanding of photoresist processing, CD control, overlay alignment, and troubleshooting lithography issues.
* Experienced in optimising processes, adjusting exposure and focus, managing alignment, and controlling feature profiles.
* Comfortable designing experiments and analysing results to improve processes.
* Able to diagnose and solve both equipment and process problems using data.
* Clear communicator with strong documentation habits and a collaborative mindset.
* Able to mentor junior engineers and lead technical discussions.
* Proactive, detail‑oriented, and adaptable in fast‑moving R&D environments.
* Familiar with tools and methodologies used for statistical analysis and process control such as SPC, JMP, or equivalent would be an advantage.
Benefits
* Pension scheme
* Private medical & dental insurance
* 28 days' holiday + bank holidays
* Free onsite meals
* Onsite gym
* Relocation support
* Visa support available
#J-18808-Ljbffr