Junior Research & Development Support Technician

OSI Systems; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A technological solutions company in Stoke-on-Trent seeks a Junior R&D Support Technician to assist in testing and developing new imaging technologies in a hands-on capacity. The role involves hardware testing, data analysis, and product quality assurance. Ideal candidates will have relevant educational qualifications, hands-on experience, and a willingness to learn about new technologies. This is an excellent opportunity to grow within a dynamic research team.

Qualifications

• BTEC Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Hands-on experience during coursework or internships.
• Basic understanding of mechanical assembly.

Responsibilities

• Assist in testing X-ray imaging subcomponents.
• Assemble detector units for prototype testing.
• Support QA and root cause analysis.

Skills

Hands-on experience with tools

Eagerness to learn new technologies

Basic understanding of electrical systems

Education

BTEC Level 3, HNC/HND in related field

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

Rapiscan Systems is an industry leader in detection technology, providing cargo and vehicle inspection systems and services for ports, borders, military, high-threat facilities, and checkpoints to help customers combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and trade fraud. We offer a broad array of scanning system configurations that leverage low-, medium-, and high-energy X-ray technology—or multiple X-ray technologies—to address each customer’s unique security application requirements. Our commitment to excellence in imaging performance, innovative design, and uncompromising quality ensures our solutions consistently deliver best-in-class imaging, high reliability, and operator satisfaction, to help customers find threats and contraband with ease and confidence.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a Junior R&D Support Technician to join our Cargo Research Team. This hands-on role involves supporting the development of new imaging technologies through hardware testing, integration, and validation in our X-ray Imaging Laboratory.

You’ll contribute to:

• Hardware and software setup, operation, and data capture
• Data analysis and reporting
• Product quality assurance and root cause analysis
• Training, demonstrations, and marketing support

Responsibilities

• Assist in testing X-ray imaging subcomponents, including setup, data capture, and analysis
• Assemble detector units for prototype testing
• Support QA and root cause analysis of returned or prototype units
• Contribute to engineering R&D for detector array solutions
• Ensure safety systems are operational and exclusion zones are properly established
• Maintain up-to-date software and firmware in the lab
• Track and document testing results using appropriate software
• Support production, engineering, and commissioning teams with FATs and customer demos

Qualifications

Essential:

• BTEC Level 3, HNC/HND, or equivalent in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with tools, wiring, or mechanical assembly (via coursework, internships, or personal projects)
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and procedures

Preferred:

• Familiarity with data acquisition systems or basic programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
• Exposure to lab environments or technical testing setups
• Interest in imaging systems, sensors, or electronics