Principal Device Physicist, Southampton

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.

Location

Based at our manufacturing facility in Plymouth, UK

Our Values
Innovation
Collaboration
Commitment
Care

About the Role

Plessey is seeking a Principal Device Physicist to join its Device Engineering Team. This is a key role focusing on the development of measurement and modelling techniques applied to MQW micro-LED structures & advanced optical device development. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in the understanding of semiconductor devices and will be able to support and coach less experienced engineers in the team.

Key Responsibilities
Taking a central role in developing new and applying existing measurement and modelling techniques to help to develop new technologies
Developing novel measurement methods for QW micro-LED structures
Working in close collaboration with the Process Development and Process Architecture teams
Identifying reasons for and solutions to performance limiting behaviour
Developing and introducing new techniques to help characterise and understand the operation of our micro-LED structures & optical computing technologies
Liaise with research institutions such as universities and government laboratories with a view to commissioning work outside of the scope that is possible within Plessey
Produce clear and concise reports for dissemination of results among the engineering community

Experience & Attributes
Ph. D or MSc in Physics, Electronics or other suitable discipline
Strong knowledge of semiconductor device physics and optoelectronic principles
Hands-on experience with optical and electrical characterization techniques for LEDs or photonic devices
Substantial experience in semiconductor measurement and modelling
Substantial industry experience in the measuring and modelling of semiconductor devices with knowledge of QW LED structures
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team

Advantage
Experience with high-density Micro LED arrays, photonic integrated circuits, or optical computing devices
Knowledge of ultrafast device characterisation, optical modulation, and reliability testing
Understanding of quantum or nonlinear photonic effects relevant to optical computing