Technical Lead Epitaxy

Location

Plymouth

Basis

Full Time
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 ability to work independently and task ownership.

Benefits
  • Pension scheme 
  • Private medical & dental insurance 
  • 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays 
  • Free onsite meals 
  • Onsite gym 
  • Relocation support 
  • Visa support available