Manufacturing Technician - Optical Systems

Job description

Manufacturing Technician

Oxford | Full-time | On-site (5 days per week)

Experienced Technicians and Graduate / Early-Career Candidates with Optics Experience Encouraged to Apply

An innovative scientific instrumentation company is looking for a Manufacturing Technician to support the assembly, test, repair and refurbishment of advanced high-precision systems.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on technical work and has an interest in optics, lasers, electronics and precision instrumentation. The team is open to graduate and early-career candidates, particularly those with relevant academic, lab, internship or industry experience in optics or photonics.

The role

You will work on the build and test of sophisticated instruments that combine lasers, electro-optic systems, precision positioning components and high-specification imaging technology. The role will involve a mix of electronic box-build, sub-assembly work, optical alignment, system build and testing, alongside accurate documentation and continuous improvement activity.

This position would suit someone with strong attention to detail, a practical mindset, and the ability to follow structured processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key responsibilities

• Assemble and test high-precision scientific instrumentation
• Build electrical harnesses and electronic sub-systems
• Assemble and align optical components
• Support full system builds and final acceptance testing
• Work from detailed assembly instructions, work instructions and documented test procedures
• Record build and test data accurately and maintain clear documentation
• Help identify and implement process improvements across manufacturing and operations
• Support stock control, bills of materials and forward planning activities
• Contribute to improvements in tools, facilities, workflows and productivity
• Document issues, in-process findings and potential improvements during manufacturing activity

What we’re looking for

• Degree in a relevant discipline such as Physics, Optics, Photonics, Engineering or similar, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Graduates with practical experience in optics, lasers, photonics, electronics assembly or instrumentation are encouraged to apply
• Strong hands-on assembly skills and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work accurately to deadlines and follow documented processes
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach
• Commitment to data accuracy, quality and continuous improvement
• Experience working in a lab, manufacturing or technical environment
• Confidence handling delicate or precision components

Useful experience

• Optical alignment using laser-based systems
• Handling optics and working safely with laser equipment
• Assembly of electronic sub-systems and basic fault-finding, such as continuity testing
• Testing high-technology products before shipment
• Experience with scientific instruments or other high-precision equipment

Desirable

• Previous experience assembling and testing scientific or electro-optical instrumentation
• Laser safety training, including Class 4 laser environments
• Industry experience in manufacturing, operations or laboratory-based production

Package & benefits

• Salary in the region of £30,000–£36,000, depending on experience
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Employer pension contribution
• Private health insurance, life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection
• Bonus scheme
• Family-friendly policies and childcare-related support
• Training and development support, including access to online learning
• Flexible start and finish times where possible
• Subsidised lunch and regular social events
• Inclusive, values-led culture with a strong focus on development and wellbeing

Additional information

This role is fully site-based in Oxford, 5 days per week.

The company is committed to building diverse teams and welcomes applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences. Anonymised hiring practices are used as part of the recruitment process.

Interested in hearing more? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Oxford

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

03-05-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English