Hardware Laboratory Technician

Plessey; Oxford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical & dental insurance

25 days’ holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

Plessey in Oxford is seeking a Hardware Laboratory Technician to run the hardware lab and support engineering in building optical interconnect prototypes.

You will build, rework, and test PCBAs, fixtures, and cables, execute test plans, and keep the lab safe, stocked, and well-organised. This hands-on role requires fine-pitch soldering skills, attention to detail, and ownership of lab operations.

Qualifications

• Hands-on electronics lab experience with PCBAs and fixtures.
• Soldering/rework of fine-pitch SMT to IPC standards preferred.
• Able to read schematics, BoMs and assembly drawings.
• COSHH/ESD control knowledge and lab safety awareness.
• Experience with test equipment and basic mechanical modifications.

Responsibilities

• Run the hardware lab daily; ensure safety, cleanliness and organisation.
• Rework and repair PCBAs; assemble from BoMs and drawings.
• Build opto-mechanical fixtures and fibre handling tasks.
• Prepare build packs for external fabrication and suppliers.
• Record test data, calibration, and lab logs with traceability.

Education

HNC/HND/BTEC Level 3/4 or apprenticeship in electronics

Tools

Altium

SolidWorks

FreeCAD

IPC-A-610 inspection

IPC-7711/7721

Python

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Bench power supply

Signal generator

Job description

Hardware Laboratory Technician

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Oxford

Description

We are looking for a Hardware Laboratory Technician to run our hardware lab and support the engineering team building optical interconnect prototypes. You will build, rework, and test PCBAs, opto-mechanical fixtures, and cables, execute test plans, and keep the lab safe, stocked, and organised.This role suits a hands-on technician with excellent fine-pitch soldering skills and an eye for detail, who takes ownership of the lab and is keen to grow alongside a fast-moving engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the hardware lab day to day — layout, housekeeping, bench allocation, ESD control, and lab safety — so engineers can build and test without delay.
• Maintain the lab equipment register: calibration schedules, PAT, servicing, fault reporting, and loan tracking.
• Rework and repair PCBAs to IPC-7711/7721: fine-pitch SMT, QFN and BGA, 0201 passives, wire modifications, and component swaps under the microscope.
• Hand-assemble prototype and small-batch PCBAs from BoMs and assembly drawings, and inspect incoming boards from external assembly suppliers.
• Build opto-mechanical fixtures — mounts, stages, and fibre holders — and carry out fibre handling, connector cleaning, and inspection.
• Build cables and harnesses to IPC/WHMA-A-620: crimped, soldered, and coaxial assemblies, with continuity and insulation checks.
• Manage COSHH materials: maintain the substance register, safety data sheets, and risk assessments, and control storage, labelling, and waste disposal.
• Bring up and test PCBAs — power-up, rail checks, and functional test — using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators.
• Execute PCBA and optical test plans under engineering direction, including optical power, spectrum, and high-speed link measurements.
• Record test data accurately and traceably; maintain build logs, serial-number tracking, and non-conformance records.
• Order electronic and optical components and materials: raise quotes and purchase requisitions, chase suppliers, receive goods, and manage stock, kitting, and moisture-sensitive device storage.
• Prepare build packs for external PCB fabrication and assembly suppliers, and check first-off builds.
• Write and maintain work instructions, build records, and lab procedures.
• Make simple mechanical parts and modifications — drilling, tapping, and 3D printing — to support prototype builds.
• Pack and ship samples and hardware to partners in an ESD-safe, traceable manner.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• HNC, HND, BTEC Level 3/4, or an engineering apprenticeship in electronics, or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven hand soldering and rework of fine-pitch SMT components, ideally certified to IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-7711/7721, or willing to gain certification.
• Confident use of standard lab test equipment: oscilloscope, multimeter, bench power supply, and signal generator.
• Able to read schematics, assembly drawings, and BoMs.
• Hands-on experience of cable and harness builds.
• Working knowledge of COSHH and ESD control in a lab or production environment.
• Organised, with careful record keeping and good working knowledge of Excel.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and pride in a well-run lab.
• Delivery-focused and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication skills.
• Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced technology environment.
• Experience of optical environments, optical fibre handling and optical power measurement, Python for test automation and data logging, PCB CAD such as Altium, mechanical CAD such as SolidWorks or FreeCAD, IPC-A-610 inspection, or laser safety would be an advantage.

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Private medical & dental insurance
• 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays