Manufacturing Technician - Cameras

Thales Avionics, Inc. (AGS); Glasgow; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 day week schedule Friday, Saturday,

Competitive pension

28 days annual leave + holidays

Life assurance

Career progression

EAP & wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Job summary

Thales in Glasgow is seeking Manufacturing Technicians for the Weekend Shift to assemble, test, and calibrate advanced optical systems used in defence applications. You will work with engineers and technicians, focusing on optical sub‑assemblies, bonding, handling components, and rigorous testing in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

The role emphasizes precision work, hands‑on problem solving, and collaboration within cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable, mission-critical products.

Qualifications

• Strong practical and hands-on skills.
• Ability to work independently while being a team player.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Optical alignment and assembly of precision optical sub-assemblies.
• Complex optical bonding using specialist optical adhesives.
• Handling, cleaning, and preparation of optical components.
• Testing and analysing optical systems using interferometers and other specialist equipment.
• Calibration of optical assemblies and manufacturing tooling.
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-quality products.

Skills

Optical alignment

Hands-on

Independent worker

Communication skills

Tools

Interferometer

Optical bonding equipment

Job description

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Manufacturing Technician - Cameras

Glasgow | Full Time

Weekend Shift: Friday - Sunday

Be Part of Technology That Makes a Difference

Are you someone who enjoys precision work, solving technical challenges, and working with cutting‑edge technology? Due to continued growth, we’re expanding our Manufacturing team in Glasgow and are looking for talented Manufacturing Technicians to join our Weekend Shift. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the assembly, testing, and calibration of advanced optical systems used in mission-critical defence applications. You’ll work alongside skilled engineers and technicians, contributing to products that make a real impact. With a dedicated weekend schedule, you’ll enjoy a better work-life balance while building your career in a high-tech manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Optical alignment and assembly of precision optical sub‑assemblies
• Complex optical bonding using specialist optical adhesives
• Handling, cleaning, and preparation of optical components
• Testing and analysing optical systems using interferometers and other specialist equipment
• Calibration of optical assemblies and manufacturing tooling
• Collaborating with multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality products

About You

• Strong practical and hands‑on skills
• A naturally inquisitive mindset and the confidence to question results and identify solutions
• The ability to work independently while being a supportive team player
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desirable Experience

• Optical instruments and systems
• Interferometry
• Mechanical engineering principles
• Opto‑mechanical assembly and manufacturing
• Optical handling and cleaning techniques
• Optical bonding processes

What We Offer

• A compressed working pattern with a 3 day week Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• Competitive pension scheme
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance cover
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Employee discounts across a range of major retailers and brands

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the work, this role requires Security Clearance (SC). Successful candidates must meet UK security clearance eligibility requirements, with sponsorship provided by Thales.

Join Us

If you’re looking for a role where your skills, attention to detail, and passion for technology can make a genuine contribution, we’d love to hear from you. Join a team that’s helping to develop advanced optical technology while building a rewarding career with Thales.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.

Join Thales in the UK - Innovate with us and shape the future!