Senior Technician in Optical Manufacturing

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university seeks a Senior Technician to support the Optoelectronics Research Centre. The role involves operating state-of-the-art equipment, collaborating on advanced optoelectronic projects, and contributing to research and training of students. Candidates should have relevant technical qualifications and experience in laboratory work and cleanroom fabrication. The position is fixed-term until 2028, starting in August 2025.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in laboratory work, manufacturing, cleanroom fabrication, or assembly of optical components.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain fabrication and characterization equipment.
• Support the development of advanced optoelectronic devices.
• Collaborate with researchers on academic and industrial projects.

Skills

Laboratory work

Manufacturing

Cleanroom fabrication

Assembly of optical components

Communication skills

Mentoring skills

Education

HND, Degree, NVQ4 or similar

Tools

Ultra-precision tools

Polishing systems

Cleanroom instruments

Material analysis tools

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Research Field Other Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 14 Oct 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are excited to invite applications for aSenior Technicianto support our welcoming and collaborative team of world-leading researchers at theOptoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton. With over 300 staff and students, the ORC is an internationally recognised hub for cutting-edge research, delivering real-world impact across manufacturing, communication technologies, augmented reality, healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental solutions.

About the Role

As a valued member of our team, you will play a key role in the development and production of advanced optoelectronic devices for applications such as quantum technologies, integrated optical sensors, and laser optics. You’ll be supporting a wide range of fabrication and characterisation activities, working side-by-side with researchers on academic and industrial projects that aim to scale up manufacturing processes for wider adoption. A core part of this role will involve close collaboration with industry to help translate our research into tangible innovations for the UK’s growing photonics sector.

Your Responsibilities

You will be responsible for operating and maintaining state-of-the-art fabrication and characterisation equipment, including ultra-precision tools, polishing systems, cleanroom instruments, and material analysis tools. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute in our advanced laser laboratories and other university facilities. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will help us create high-performance optical components that advance both our research goals and commercial partnerships.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates from a variety of technical backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from individuals with a qualification equivalent to anHND, Degree, NVQ4, or similar, combined with relevant experience. Practical, hands-on experience in any of the following areas is essential: laboratory work, manufacturing, cleanroom fabrication, or the assembly of optical components and systems.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys working both independently and collaboratively, and who values contributing to a supportive team environment. In this role, you’ll also help train and support researchers and PhD students, so strong communication and mentoring skills will be a plus.

The initial appointment is based on a fixed term post until 31/07/2028, ideally starting in August 2025.

Working at the University of Southampton:

Check out thestaff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton!