Manufacturing Technician

leonardocompany; Luton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo in Luton is seeking a Manufacturing Technician to join a precision-focused team manufacturing advanced aerospace and defence products. You will perform precise assembly, inspection and finishing on electro-mechanical, electronic and microelectronic parts in a cleanroom environment.

You will read engineering drawings, use microscopes for micro-scale assembly, and perform soldering, wiring and fine alignment to tight tolerances, ensuring high quality and traceability throughout production.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing/production/assembly/engineering environments.
• Ability to assemble small, delicate, high-precision components.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions and procedures.
• Experience working to production schedules and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assemble complex electro-mechanical, electronic and microelectronic products per drawings and specs.
• Micro-scale assembly using hand tools, tweezers, microscopes and specialist equipment.
• Soldering and wiring to IPC and company standards.
• Fine alignment and interconnection of components within tight tolerances.
• Handle miniature components such as micro-electronics, fine wires and small fasteners.
• Operate production equipment and support manufacturing processes.
• Complete repeat production and low-volume, high-complexity assembly tasks.
• Conduct visual inspections with microscopes; self-inspection against build instructions.
• Identify defects and non-conformances; raise quality notifications and support investigations.
• Record manufacturing activities, quality checks and deviations.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Fine motor skills

Attention to detail

Read drawings/schematics

Soldering IPC standards

Cleanroom experience

ESD knowledge

Microscope operation

Interconnection methods

Team collaboration

Quality mindset

Education

IPC certifications (J-STD-001)

IPC-A-610

Tools

Microscopes

Magnification systems

Pick-and-place machinery

Precision assembly equipment

Job description

Job Description:

Your Impact

We are looking for a Manufacturing Technician to join our team at Leonardo's Luton site. This role is critical to the manufacture of advanced aerospace and defence products, requiring exceptional attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a commitment to quality.

As a Manufacturing Technician, you will perform highly precise assembly, inspection, and finishing operations on complex electro-mechanical, electronic, and microelectronic products. Working within a cleanroom and controlled manufacturing environment, you will assemble delicate, high-tolerance components where precision, consistency, and workmanship directly impact product performance and customer satisfaction.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies while contributing to products that help protect people, assets, and national security.

What You Will Do

Assembly & Manufacturing

• Assemble complex electro-mechanical, electronic, and microelectronic products in accordance with engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions, and process specifications.
• Perform micro-scale assembly using hand tools, tweezers, microscopes, magnification systems, and specialist equipment.
• Carry out soldering and wiring activities in accordance with IPC and company standards.
• Perform fine alignment, fitting, adjustment, and interconnection of components within tight manufacturing tolerances.
• Handle fragile and miniature components, including micro-electronics, fine wires, miniature fasteners, springs, and other high-precision parts.
• Operate production equipment and support manufacturing processes in line with company procedures.
• Complete both repeat production activities and low-volume, high-complexity assembly work.

Quality & Inspection

• Conduct detailed visual inspections using microscopes and magnification equipment.
• Perform self-inspection to verify compliance against build instructions, drawings, and quality standards.
• Identify defects, discrepancies, and non-conformances that may not be detected through automated inspection processes.
• Raise quality notifications and support root cause investigations where required.
• Accurately record manufacturing activities, quality checks, process data, and deviations.

Production Support

• Manage assembly activities throughout the production process to transform components into finished products.
• Work to defined production targets and cycle times while maintaining quality standards.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to resolve technical and process-related issues.
• Support continuous improvement activities aimed at improving safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency.
• Carry out autonomous maintenance activities, including cleaning, inspections, and basic equipment care.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Work in accordance with Health & Safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strict adherence to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), FOD (Foreign Object Debris), and Clean-as-You-Go disciplines.
• Operate effectively within cleanroom and temperature/humidity-controlled manufacturing environments.
• Ensure work areas, equipment, and materials are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and organisation.

What You'll Bring

• Experience within a manufacturing, production, assembly, or engineering environment.
• Proven ability to assemble small, delicate, or high-precision components.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Ability to work accurately with miniature components and high-tolerance assemblies.
• Experience using hand tools and precision assembly equipment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify defects and quality issues.
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, schematics, work instructions, and procedures.
• Experience working to production schedules and quality requirements.
• Ability to maintain focus and consistency while performing repetitive precision tasks.
• Good understanding of workplace safety and quality standards.
• Soldering experience to IPC standards.
• Current IPC certifications (J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610).
• Experience working within a cleanroom environment.
• Experience using microscopes and magnification systems for assembly and inspection.
• Knowledge of ESD and FOD control requirements.
• Experience operating pick-and-place machinery.
• Experience of hybrid microelectronic assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of device attachment and interconnection methods.
• Previous experience within aerospace, defence, military, medical device, jewellery, watchmaking, or other precision manufacturing industries.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security