Instrument Technician

Octric Semiconductors UK Ltd (trades as Octric / Octric Semiconductors); North East; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Octric Semiconductor in the North East region is seeking a skilled Maintenance Technician for our state-of-the-art compound semiconductor facility. You will install, commission, and maintain instrumentation and control systems across critical process lines to ensure continuous, safe operation.

The role requires practical experience in maintenance of pneumatic and electrical instrumentation, with a proactive approach to problem solving and a focus on reducing downtime and improving reliability.

Qualifications

• COSHH knowledge and ability to write method statements and risk assessments.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills across practical and theoretical methods.
• Pro‑active maintenance mindset with proven instrumentation fault diagnosis skills.
• Experience with pneumatic and electrically operated control valves and process instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Install and commission instrumentation and control systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and calibrate sensors to maintain accuracy.
• Utilise CMMS to record PMs and breakdowns accurately.
• Lead planned maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

COSHH knowledge

Risk assessment writing

Analytical & problem solving

Instrumentation fault diagnosis

Education

ONC with recognised apprenticeship

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Octric Semiconductor is a new name in the compound semiconductor foundry space. Its devices are used in mission‑critical defence and commercial applications.

For over 25 years, we have delivered more than 1.5 billion devices shipped from our site to date.

Octric has ambitious plans to grow the company and expand with new products and applications, supported by a 10‑year investment plan. Following significant investment from the UK Ministry of Defence, we now have a bright new path ahead. As part of an emerging semiconductor cluster in the northeast, we are focused on developing advanced technology for the next generation of semiconductors. We are looking to fill a number of exciting roles across device design, innovation, manufacturing, and reliability.

Located in Newton Aycliffe, UK, we occupy a 10,000 m² purpose‑built Class 100 manufacturing facility fully equipped to produce state‑of‑the‑art compound semiconductor products.

Octric is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Our company values different perspectives and experiences, and we're dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive. We have family‑friendly employee policies, a culture that respects work‑life balance, and a competitive benefits package. We are committed to personal and professional progression and development.

Be part of our journey and join our team driving innovation in a cutting‑edge industry.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Ensure Health & Safety standards/procedures are adhered including “Risk Assessment andJSA”
• Install and commission new instrumentation and control systems.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks, calibrate instruments such as flow meters, pressure transmitters and temperature sensors to maintain accuracy.
• Self-motivated planning and delivery of breakdown and planned and breakdown maintenance activities
• Observe site priorities and deliver activities in line with site guidance
• Operate in accordance “Maximo / CMMS” including accurate and timely recording ofinformation
• Safely diagnose and rectify plant breakdowns on pneumatic and mechanical instruments,control loops and undertake root causes reviews and implement remedial actions. Target being minimising plant downtime and probability of fault reoccurrence.
• Undertake planned maintenance in a timely manner reviewing findings and adjusting frequencies
• Installand commission new instrumentation and control systems.
• Share technical knowledge on “Specialism” with others and assist with “Multidisciplined Training”
• Actively engage with process operators developing ability to operate process plant
• Uphold site and UK Standards and ensure site complies with ISO9001/ISO14001/ISO45001.
• Develop, undertake and own “Continuous Improvement Projects and Activities”

Main Tasks:

• Proactiveparticipation in all HSE activities including Risk Assessment and Method Statements
• Proactive role in developing a positively safe and environmental and quality culture to satisfy ISO 45001/140001/9001 respectively.
• Utilise CMMS to identify, analyse and record PM’s and breakdowns in accordance with instrumentation maintenance schedules.
• Self-lead and motivated delivery of comprehensive Planned Maintenance Schedules including timely input of information and review of findings. Finding review to be used to make recommendation on frequencies and suitability of maintenance activity.
• Work closely with process technicians and monitor plant to ensure breakdowns are remediated in a safe and effective and efficient manner thus minimizing disruption of supply of service.
• Analyse, maintain and rectify fault conditions across a range of plant, equipment & systems. This will include Root Cause Analysis for failure and subsequent development and implementation of improvement plans.
• Ensure high standards of engineering principles and procedures, compliance with good understanding of DSEAR / Hazardous Area Equipment Inspections. Ensuring compliance with relevant ISO Standards and Guidelines
• Play an active role to identify and implement facilities plant improvements to increase reliability, efficiency and reduce operating costs through continuous improvements.
• To understand how variations in the facilities plant and services can impact the fabrication plant performance.
• Play an active role in problem solving activities during major events using an appropriate problem-solving tools and techniques. E.g. 5 Why, Fish bone, 8 Dand other Root Cause Tools.
• Liaise with vendors and field service engineers for assistance in service contracts, breakdowns & telephone support
• Flexible and willing to work throughout the operation to achieve the business goals.
• Contribute towards Key Performance Indicators to achieve Engineering targets
• Contribute towards training of fellow Technicians, Operators and Apprentices.

Experience:

• Time served apprenticeship from an Instrumentation / Control or Electrical discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years post apprentice knowledge and experience of Process / Chemical Plant

Technical Skills:

• Familiarity of COSHH and ability to write method statements and risk assessments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skill with a strong appreciation of both practical and theoretical methodologies.
• Pro-active approach to maintenance with excellent and proven instrumentation fault diagnosis skills.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic and electrically operated control valves.
• Knowledge of pH, conductivity, temperature, humidity, pressure, level and flow measurement systems.
• Comprehensive IT skills covering man software packages

Personal Qualities:

• Pro-active self-motivatedand capable of working without direct supervision.
• Demonstrate creative approach to specific tasks and willing to become “Multi disciplined”.
• Team player with good Communication skills that is Results and performance driven.

Education / Qualifications:

• Educated to a minimum of ONC with a recognised apprenticeship

Anson House,
Burdon Terrace,
Jesmond,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE2 3AE