Lead Mechanical Technician

Oxford Instruments plc; Severn Beach; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology is looking for a Lead Mechanical Technician to join our Production team and lead the assembly build of high-tech vacuum systems. You will provide expertise to support the Team Leader and ensure the build cell runs smoothly while developing new capabilities.

The role involves a rotating shift pattern (Early 06:00–14:00, Afternoon 14:00–22:00) and opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement, SOP development, and adherence to ISO standards within a

Qualifications

• Time served mechanical apprenticeship with proven skills.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings accurately.
• Strong mechanical fitting experience in vacuum equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop 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 BOM and customer specifications are met and ISO procedures followed (ISO 9001/18001/14001).
• Ensure that work allocated to the build team is carried out efficiently and report shortages or issues to the Team Leader.
• Identify and resolve build problems by liaising with other departments as required.
• In the Team Leader's absence, plan workload and maintain efficiency of the build cell.
• Set an example with attendance, quality, Health and Safety, 5S in build areas.
• Interpret manufacturing systems to support the build process.
• Ensure compliance with company rules and report non-compliance to the Team Leader.
• Rotate shifts as per rota.

Skills

Mechanical fitting

Reading drawings

Build quality

Communication

Fault finding

PC skills

Education

Time served mechanical apprenticeship

ONC or equivalent qualifications

Job description

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.
• Work on a rotating shift pattern in line with the rota notified to you by your Team Leader.

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

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.