Build the future in light

We’re engineering photonic devices and systems that will define next-era computing. If you want to work on hardware that matters – microLED displays, optical computing and optical interconnects – this is where it happens.
Current opportunities

FAB8
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r&D
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engineering the future
in light

Why Plessey

At Plessey, you have the power to make decisions, drive change, and deliver excellence.

We question assumptions and push boundaries. Challenging ideas, trusting each other to deliver and working with customers who expect the best. That’s how breakthrough innovation happens.

We’re building teams of specialists who tackle complex problems together. From technical seminars to social get-togethers, we invest in relationships that enable exceptional work.

Our integrated facility combines research, IP development, process engineering, and manufacturing under one roof. You’ll work where technologies shaped by light are designed, built, and scaled – from source to signal. No other company operates like this.

Current opportunities

Join us as we shape the future of photonic technology – from breakthrough R&D to precision manufacturing and operations.

Principal Process Engineer Plymouth Engineering Photolithography Full time
Principal Process Development Engineer Plymouth R&D Process integration Full time
Marketing & Communications Associate Plymouth Marketing & communications Marketing Full time
Manufacturing Operator Plymouth Manufacturing Operator Full time
Learning Strategy & Effectiveness Lead Plymouth People & culture Learning & development Full time
Facilities Engineer Plymouth Engineering Facilities Full time
Job Title Location Department Division Employment Type
Carpenter Plymouth Engineering Facilities Full Time
Electrician Plymouth Engineering Facilities Full Time
Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprentice - Level 6 Plymouth Engineering Engineering General Apprentice
Embedded Software Engineer Plymouth Engineering Test Development and Design Full Time
HR Advisor Plymouth People & Culture People & Culture Contract / Temp
Manufacturing Operator Plymouth Manufacturing Operators Full Time
Multiskilled Tradesperson Plymouth Engineering Facilities Full Time
Plumber Plymouth Engineering Facilities Full Time
Principal Process Development Engineer Plymouth R&D Process Integration Full Time
Principal Process Engineer Plymouth Engineering Photolithography Full Time
Principal Simulation Device Engineer Plymouth R&D Device Physics Full Time
Principal Sub Fab Engineer Plymouth Engineering Sub Fab Full Time
Process Engineering Manager Plymouth Engineering Engineering General Full Time
Project Manager Plymouth Programme Management Project Management Full Time
Senior Device Engineer Plymouth R&D Device Physics Full Time
Senior Epitaxy Engineer Plymouth R&D Epitaxy Full Time
Senior Equipment Engineer Plymouth Engineering Films & Metrology Full Time
Senior Finance Business Partner Plymouth Finance Finance Full Time
Senior Process Development Engineer Plymouth R&D Process Integration Full Time
Senior Process Engineer Plymouth Engineering Etch Full Time
Senior Process Engineer Plymouth Engineering Films & Metrology Full Time
Senior Test Development Engineer Plymouth Engineering Test Development and Design Full Time
Software Engineer Plymouth Engineering Test Development and Design Full Time
Team Lead - Films Technology Plymouth Engineering Films & Metrology Full Time

Don’t see the right role? Register your interest to be notified when relevant opportunities become available.

Benefits

We invest in our people. Comprehensive support across financial security, health, development, and daily life.

Pay, protection & progression

  • Competitive salary with structured progression
  • Pension scheme with generous employer contributions
  • Private medical & dental insurance for you and your family
  • 4× life assurance
  • Structured training programmes
  • Mentorship from the senior leadership team
  • Clear progression pathways in both technical and leadership
  • EMI share option scheme (from April 2026)

Health & wellbeing

  • Generous annual leave
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
  • Smart Health support service
  • Mental Health First Aiders
  • Occupational Health Doctor
  • Free annual flu jabs
  • On-site gym and employee sports clubs
  • Cycle to work scheme

Your workplace

  • Free onsite meals and drinks
  • Free on-site parking
  • Free EV charging points for cycles and vehicles
  • Modern cleanroom and laboratory facilities
  • Prayer room
  • Relocation support package
  • Visa sponsorship available for eligible roles

Early careers

Work experience

Each summer we offer week-long programmes for GCSE and A-level students.

Gain hands-on experience through workshops and job shadowing, exploring roles in optical technology, advanced manufacturing, and engineering. A-level placements are tailored to your subject specialism.

Applications for summer 2026 are now open and close on 30 January 2026. Register your interest to receive an application form.

Register interest

Apprenticeships

Our four-year higher apprenticeships combine hands-on engineering work with structured academic study, leading to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in either Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, develop deep technical knowledge, and earn a nationally recognised qualification. Working alongside experienced engineers and technicians on live projects in manufacturing, process engineering, cleanroom operations, and facility maintenance. From day one, you’re contributing to work that matters – developing advanced photonic technologies in our integrated facility.

Entry requirements

Two A-levels at grade C or above, including Maths and a science-based subject. Or successful completion of an Extended Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical/Electronic).

Progression

Your apprenticeship at Plessey is just the beginning. Many of our apprentices have gone on to shape the future of technology in engineering roles across the company. This is a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation and launch a rewarding career in photonic technology.

Current opportunities

Graduate programmes

Start your career working on technologies that will define the future of computing. Our graduate roles span engineering, physics, optics, chemistry, and software development – all contributing to breakthrough optical technologies.

From day one, you’ll work on meaningful projects that move from research through to production. You’ll be supported by experienced mentors who are genuine experts in their fields – no corporate bureaucracy, just talented people solving complex problems together. We provide structured training programmes, support for professional qualifications, and clear progression pathways. Our integrated facility means you’ll gain exposure across research, development, and manufacturing – a breadth of experience few graduate schemes can offer.

We’re looking for curious minds who question assumptions, explore new ideas, and aren’t satisfied with familiar solutions. Whether you’re developing optical devices, optimising fabrication processes, or building software tools, you’ll contribute to work that opens new possibilities in AR, AI, and next-era computing.

View graduate opportunities or register your interest to be notified when positions open.

Current opportunities
Register interest

Our values

Our values are the principles we collectively uphold, shaping our culture, guiding our actions, and defining how we achieve success together.

Lead

We don’t follow industry trends; we create them, pushing boundaries and setting standards others aspire to. Every team member has the power to make decisions, drive change, and deliver excellence. We support each other, challenge one another for the best solutions, and lead by example. Together, we build industries and technologies that shape the future and scale toward our vision of the next era of computing.

Grow

We expand our capabilities every day — deepening our expertise, improving how we work, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Curiosity fuels us: we question assumptions, explore new ideas, and innovate with light-based technologies. By investing in and empowering our people, we strengthen Plessey’s impact and help shape the future of optical technology.

Trust

We operate like a family — honest, reliable, and supportive. We have each other’s backs, own our actions, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety. We trust each other to deliver, our customers to challenge us, and our expertise to guide the way. Together, trust enables the collaboration essential for breakthrough innovation and lasting impact. Future-minded, firmly grounded.

Our location

Our Plymouth facility is where 70+ years of photonic innovation comes to life.

Located in one of the UK’s most affordable cities, Plymouth offers coastal living with excellent connections to London, Bristol, and the Southwest.

Plymouth combines quality of life with opportunity—surrounded by national parks and coastline, with a growing community of advanced manufacturing and technology companies.