Principal Equipment Engineer Full Time NEW

Make sure to apply with all the requested information, as laid out in the job overview below.

We’re building the hardware foundation for next-era computing.

Plessey is a world-leading technology company driving the next generation of photonic devices and systems. With over 70 years of innovation, we combine research, materials science, process engineering, and manufacturing under one roof. We’re recognised as a global authority in microLED displays, optical computing, and optical interconnects.

Join us to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of light-based technology and computing.

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.

Location

Based at our manufacturing facility in Plymouth, UK.

About The Role

Plessey is seeking a Senior or Principal Sub Fab Engineer to join our Equipment Engineering Department. This is a key technical position where you will be responsible for overseeing Sub Fab systems and driving engineering excellence across the facility. The role involves close collaboration with both Engineering and Manufacturing teams during an exciting period of rapid expansion.

It is not essential for this role that you have sub fab/semiconductor experience. We are most interested in strong electro-mechanical engineers that are currently, and are keen to keep working, in a hands-on role.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all activities within the sub-fab area to provide a continuous and safe supply of gases and chemicals to wafer fab equipment
• Lead and support cross-functional engineering projects aimed at improving tool performance, reliability, and automation
• Design and implement custom hardware and sensor integrations to enhance tool functionality and monitoring
• Oversee and maintain gas cabinets (housing gas bottles for production tools), vacuum pumps, by-product abatement systems, and chemical (acid and solvent) bulk dispense systems
• Own assigned tools and equipment, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Perform routine chemical and gas system checks, maintain and troubleshoot equipment, replace supplies, and carry out scheduled maintenance
• Maintain and update relevant databases (e.g., pumps, PPE inventory) and coordinate repairs or refurbishments as required
• Lead deployment and adoption of FDC systems across new and existing fab tools, including installation, configuration, tool connectivity, and serving as the sub-fab FDC point of contact while supporting engineering teams.
• Offer out-of-hours support when required to maintain uptime and resolve critical issues
• Apply advanced fault-finding and troubleshooting across electro-mechanical, electrical, and electronic subsystems
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on tool upgrades, retrofits, and performance optimisation initiatives
• Contribute to projects involving data acquisition, networking, and system interfacing to improve fab-wide diagnostics and automation
• Occasionally perform forklift operations and ensure all tasks are carried out safely and in compliance with PPE and safety protocols

Experience & Attributes

• Minimum HNC in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (preferred), or Mechanical Engineering with strong electronics experience.
• Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, with the ability to understand and work with complex electromechanical systems.
• 10+ years’ experience in a high-tech maintenance environment, demonstrating senior-level technical knowledge and leadership.
• Proven troubleshooting and analytical skills, particularly in electronics, system diagnostics, and fault detection.
• Experience with data-driven diagnostics, SPC charting, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office tools, for reporting, analysis, and project management.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and drive operational and process improvements.
• Strong team-working, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem anticipation, and the ability to take charge when issues arise.
• Experience contributing to audits, project management, and high-level meetings, providing informed technical input and guidance. xlqdzyr

Advantage

• Experience of chemical delivery systems and gas delivery systems
• Experience of leading teams and taking responsibility for team performance
• Experience in a semiconductor environment or cleanroom environment.
• Fork lift trained