Graduate Production Technician

Octagon Group; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Octagon Group is hiring a Graduate Production Technician in Southampton. The role focuses on hands-on fabrication of optical devices in a cleanroom, using techniques like photolithography, etching and dicing.

You will support the development and manufacture of advanced optical components and gain exposure to specialist equipment. Ideal candidates hold a physics, chemistry or materials science degree, with practical lab or cleanroom experience and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Hands-on fabrication experience gained through degree work or projects.
• Academic background in physics, chemistry or materials science required.
• Practical exposure to lithography, etching or semiconductor processing desirable.
• Willingness to learn and develop advanced fabrication skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out hands-on fabrication of optical devices in a cleanroom environment.
• Work with photolithography, etching, dicing and related semiconductor processes.
• Support development and manufacture of advanced optical components.
• Collaborate with technicians and engineers to learn equipment and techniques.
• Contribute to improving manufacturing processes, quality and efficiency.
• Split time between company site and University of Southampton facilities.

Skills

Hands-on fabrication

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Full UK driving licence

Education

Degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related

Tools

Cleanroom equipment

Photolithography

Etching

Dicing

Job description

Graduate Production Technician - Southampton

We're working with an innovative technology business looking for a Graduate Production Technician to join its growing team. This is a great opportunity for a recent Physics or Chemistry graduate with hands-on laboratory or cleanroom experience to develop specialist skills in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

You don't need previous commercial experience. What matters is your degree background, practical experience and interest in developing your career in fabrication and advanced materials.

The Role

• Carry out hands-on fabrication of specialist optical devices within a cleanroom environment.


• Work with techniques such as photolithography, etching, dicing and other semiconductor fabrication processes.


• Support the development and manufacture of advanced optical components.


• Work alongside experienced technicians and engineers, gaining exposure to specialist equipment and fabrication techniques.


• Contribute to improving manufacturing processes, quality and efficiency.


• Split your time between the company's site and the University of Southampton, working with specialist fabrication facilities.

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline.


• Hands-on laboratory or cleanroom experience gained through a degree, dissertation, research project or postgraduate study.


• Some exposure to fabrication techniques such as lithography, etching, dicing or semiconductor processing.


• A practical, hands-on approach with good attention to detail.


• A willingness to learn and develop specialist technical skills.


• A full UK driving licence, as travel between sites is required.

Why Apply?

• A fantastic opportunity to move into a specialist technical field without needing previous commercial experience.


• Work with advanced technology in a growing business.


• Clear opportunities for career progression, with previous technicians progressing into senior and team leader positions.


• Learn directly from an experienced team and develop valuable skills in fabrication and photonics.