Junior Research & Development Support Technician - Stoke on Trent

Rapiscan Systems, Inc.; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Rapiscan Systems, Inc. in the United Kingdom is seeking a Junior R&D Support Technician to assist in testing X-ray imaging subcomponents and assembling detector units for prototype validation. You will contribute to QA, data capture, and root-cause analyses in a lab setting.

Join a team focused on hardware testing, data analysis, and support for production, engineering, and demos while upholding the company values of integrity, innovation, accountability, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• BTEC Level 3, HNC/HND or equivalent in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with tools, wiring, or mechanical assembly.
• Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and procedures.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems or basic programming (Python, MATLAB).

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.
• Uphold the company’s core values of Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Teamwork.

Skills

Hands-on tools

Wiring

Mechanical assembly

Electrical systems

Learning attitude

Education

BTEC Level 3 / HNC/HND or equivalent (Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics)

Tools

Data acquisition

Python

MATLAB

Lab environment

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
• Uphold the company’s core values of Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Teamwork.
• Demonstrate behavior consistent with the company’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

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