Senior Technician in Optical Manufacturing

University of Southampton; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed research university is looking for a Senior Technician to join their Optoelectronics Research Centre. In this role, you will operate advanced fabrication equipment, support research projects, and develop innovative optoelectronic devices. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and practical experience in laboratory and manufacturing environments. This is a fixed-term position until July 2028, starting in August 2025. Apply by 11:59 pm GMT on the closing date.

Benefits

Networking and mentoring opportunities

Career development support

Commitment to equality and diversity

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in laboratory work, manufacturing, and optical assembly.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Strong communication skills to train and support others.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain fabrication and characterisation equipment.
• Collaborate on projects to scale manufacturing processes.
• Support the development of advanced optoelectronic devices.

Skills

Laboratory work

Manufacturing

Communication

Mentoring

Education

HND, Degree, NVQ4 or similar qualification

Job description

About the Role

Join our team as a Senior Technician at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton. You will support a welcoming and collaborative team of world-leading researchers, contributing to cutting-edge research with impact across manufacturing, communication technologies, augmented reality, healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental solutions.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain state-of-the-art fabrication and characterisation equipment, including ultra-precision tools, polishing systems, cleanroom instruments, and material analysis tools.
• Contribute in advanced laser laboratories and other university facilities as part of fabrication and characterisation activities.
• Collaborate with researchers on academic and industrial projects to scale up manufacturing processes and translate research into practical innovations for the UK’s photonics sector.
• Support the development and production of advanced optoelectronic devices for applications such as quantum technologies, integrated optical sensors, and laser optics.

Who We’re Looking For

• Qualification equivalent to an HND, Degree, NVQ4, or similar, with relevant hands-on experience.
• Practical, hands-on experience in laboratory work, manufacturing, cleanroom fabrication, or the assembly of optical components and systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong communication and mentoring skills to train and support researchers and PhD students.

Contract and Contact

The initial appointment is based on a fixed-term post until 31/07/2028, ideally starting in August 2025. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Prof James Gates at [e-mail].

Working at the University of Southampton

Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity. The University is a signatory of the Technician Commitment and a partner affiliate of the National Technician Development Centre (NTDC). We support our technical staff with networking, mentoring, training, professional registration, and career development, recognizing the broad range of skills they bring to education, research and enterprise activities. By joining, you will be part of a larger technical community offering support and guidance.

Apply by 11:59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance, contact Recruitment at [phone] or [e-mail] quoting the job number.