Lead Mechanical Technician

Oxford Instruments GmbH; Severn Beach; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Private healthcare

Share incentive plan

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Structured career development

Collaborative environment

Work-life balance

Job summary

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is seeking a Lead Mechanical Technician to support the Production team in assembling high-tech products. You will develop the build cell, ensure ISO procedures are followed, and help the Team Leader manage workflow and equipment readiness.

The role requires an engineering background with strong hands-on skills, the ability to fault-find, and a commitment to Lean and 5S principles. Shifts are rotating (early/afternoon) with a 4+1 pattern.

Qualifications

• Time served mechanical apprenticeship.
• ONC or other professional qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop the build cell capability to maximise quality, cost and delivery by continuous improvement of system knowledge and skills.
• Support the development of Standard Operating Procedure documentation to support Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure that the requirements of the BOM and the customer specification are achieved, completing the ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001 procedures.
• Ensure that work allocated to the build team is carried out efficiently, keeping the team leader informed of shortages or technical issues as they arise and what action is being taken to resolve issues that may jeopardise the build plan.
• Identify and resolve build problems by liaising with other departments (where necessary), using reference documents as required.
• In the absence of the team leader, plan the workload and maintain the efficiency of the build cell, where necessary referring people and facilities issues to the Production Manager.
• Set an example and ensure that the highest level of attendance, quality, Health and Safety, build cleanliness and “5S” within the build areas.
• Interpret manufacturing systems in order to support the build process.
• Ensure that company rules and procedures are observed and liaise with the Team Leader on issues of non-compliance.

Skills

Mechanical fitting

Read drawings

Communication skills

Fault finding

PC skills

Education

Time served apprenticeship

ONC or equivalent

Job description

Lead Mechanical Technician

Date: 19 Aug 2026

Location: Bristol, GB, BS35 4GG

Job Function: Operations

Business Unit: Plasma Technology

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Production team as a Lead Mechanical Technician and work on the assembly build of high-tech, cutting-edge products. You will provide expertise to support the Team Leader and ensure the build cell runs smoothly. Ensure technicians' technical development. You will get to develop new capabilities and work on some of our most complex system configurations. For this role, you will need a strong engineering background and a high level of technical skills and knowledge.

You will be employed to work on a rotating shift pattern. Each working week consists of 4 shifts of 8 hours and one of 5 hours. Currently, the shifts are Early (starting at 06:00hrs) and Afternoon (starting at 14:00hrs).

Key Responsibilities

• Using extensive product knowledge, develop the capability of the build cell to maximise quality, cost and delivery by continuous improvement of system knowledge and skills.
• Support the development of Standard Operating Procedure documentation to support “Lean” manufacturing principles.
• Ensure that the requirements of the BOM and the customer specification are achieved, completing the ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001 procedures
• Ensure that work allocated to the build team is carried out efficiently, keeping the team leader informed of shortages or technical issues as they arise and what action is being taken to resolve issues that may jeopardise the build plan.
• Identify and resolve build problems by liaising with other departments (where necessary), using reference documents as required.
• In the absence of the team leader, plan the workload and maintain the efficiency of the build cell, where necessary referring people and facilities issues to the Production Manager.
• Set an example and ensure that the highest level of attendance, quality, Health and Safety, build cleanliness and “5S” within the build areas.
• Interpret manufacturing systems in order to support the build process.
• Ensure that company rules and procedures are observed and liaise with the Team Leader on issues of non-compliance.

Personal Qualities

• Team Work: Positively contributes to the team to achieve departmental/company goals. Shares information and knowledge to improve own and others' contribution to the business.
• Quality: Takes responsibility for his/her own work, and seeks ways to continually improve the level of customer satisfaction, internally and externally.
• Positively welcomes new ways of working, constantly striving to improve standards and efficiency.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, pace and energy.
• High degree of customer focus.

Education / Qualifications

• Time served mechanical apprenticeship.
• ONC or other professional qualifications.

Professional Skills/ Abilities

• Detailed mechanical fitting within the vacuum industry.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings.
• High standards of build.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to fault-find and implement corrective action.
• PC skills.

About Us

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we develop world-leading tools for engineering micro- and nano-scale structures. Our technologies enable innovation across industries, helping customers push the boundaries of science and technology.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + half-day Fridays
• Private healthcare
• Share incentive plan
• Pension scheme
• Flexible benefits tailored to your needs
• Structured career development opportunities
• A collaborative environment with excellent work-life balance

Follow us at www.twitter.com/oxinst or www.facebook.com/oxinst

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.