Optical Assembly Build Technician

QinetiQ Group plc; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

QinetiQ Group plc is seeking an Optical Assembly Build Technician at our Farnborough site. You will assemble, align and test high-precision optical and optomechanical systems, following engineering drawings and production processes.

The role involves cleanroom work and collaboration with engineers and quality teams to deliver right-first-time performance. You will use specialised equipment to meet demanding tolerances, maintain production records, and participate in continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in assembly, integration and testing of precision optomechanical assemblies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, instructions and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in cleanroom environments and controlled manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate and test precision optical and optomechanical products per drawings and production requirements.
• Carry out optical alignment using lasers, alignment telescopes and autocollimators to meet specs.
• Perform mechanical and optical inspections with precision measurement equipment to ensure quality.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing records and traceability within ERP/MRP systems.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement to optimise product quality and efficiency.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team while following cleanroom procedures and health & safety standards.

Skills

Optomechanical assembly

Optical alignment

Quality inspections

Manufacturing documentation

Cleanroom procedures

Health & safety

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Mechanical/Manufacturing

Apprenticeship/HNC/HND in related field

Tools

Autocollimators

Alignment telescopes

Lasers

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Job Title: Optical Assembly Build Technician
Location: Farnborough, England, United Kingdom

Role Type: Permanent - Full Time

Package: £32175 - £35000. (salary dependent on experience) + Benefits

Role ID: SF20439

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we're not just imagining tomorrow we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations our mission is to empower and protect lives.

Join us as an Optical Assembly Build Technician at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

The Role

As an Optical Assembly Build Technician , you will play a vital role in delivering high-performance optical and optomechanical products that support cutting-edge technologies across a range of demanding applications. This is an exciting opportunity to join a brand-new team , helping to shape manufacturing processes and contribute to the development of innovative products from the ground up. Your expertise will help ensure products are built to the highest standards of quality, precision, and reliability.

Day-to-day, you'll be responsible for the assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of precision optical and optomechanical systems in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, and manufacturing processes. Working with a variety of optical components, including lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, beam splitters, and laser assemblies, you'll use specialised alignment and inspection equipment to achieve demanding tolerances.

You'll carry out quality inspections, maintain accurate production records, and support fault-finding and continuous improvement activities. Operating within a cleanroom and controlled manufacturing environment, you'll work closely with engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality personnel to deliver advanced technology products safely, efficiently, and right first time. As part of a newly established team, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact, influencing ways of working and contributing to the success of exciting next-generation optical technologies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assemble, integrate and test precision optical and optomechanical products in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions and production requirements
• Carry out optical alignment activities using specialised equipment including lasers, alignment telescopes and autocollimators to achieve required performance specifications
• Perform mechanical and optical inspections using precision measurement equipment, ensuring products meet quality and compliance standards
• Maintain accurate manufacturing records, production documentation and traceability within ERP/MRP and electronic production systems
• Support troubleshooting, root cause investigation and continuous improvement activities to optimise product quality and manufacturing efficiency
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while adhering to cleanroom procedures, health & safety requirements and contamination control standards

Essential experience of the Optical Assembly Build Technician :**

• Extensive experience in the assembly, integration and testing of precision optomechanical assemblies
• Proven ability to manufacture and assemble optomechanical products to specification using engineering drawings, work instructions and electronic production systems
• Experience carrying out optical alignment, integration and verification activities on precision optical and mechanical systems
• Previous experience within an optomechanical, photonics, aerospace, defence, scientific instrumentation or advanced manufacturing environment
• Experience working within cleanrooms and controlled manufacturing environments, adhering to quality and safety standards
• Experience using quality control processes, inspection methods and revision-controlled manufacturing documentation to ensure product compliance and traceability

Essential qualifications for the Optical Assembly Build Technician :**

• NVQ Level 3, Apprenticeship, HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Photonics, Physics or a related technical discipline
• Evidence of formal technical training in precision manufacturing, engineering assembly or a related engineering field
• Demonstrable ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly instructions and technical documentation
• Proven competency in the use of precision measurement and inspection equipment within a manufacturing environment
• Understanding of quality standards, manufacturing documentation and controlled production processes
• Commitment to working in accordance with health & safety requirements and quality management systems within a regulated manufacturing environment

We value difference and we don't have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness