A leading optical technology company in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Technician to join its growing R&D team. The Manufacturing Technician will apply their expertise in the manufacture of precision products to test and validate novel manufacturing processes, working closely with the R&D team to refine SOPs and help establish streamlined, scalable manufacturing operations.
This is a newly created position ideally suited to a creative and hands-on Manufacturing Technician interested in working within an R&D environment on the development of novel manufacturing processes for the next generation of adaptive lens technology, set to transform the way we see the world.
About the Company
This deep-tech company operates at the intersection of ophthalmics and optics, with core IP in optical soft materials and fluidic optical systems for applications including AR/VR, optical instrumentation, presbyopia, and ophthalmic prescription correction. The business develops novel vision technologies for optical systems, AR/VR/XR, and machine vision applications. Recognised as experts in adaptive lens technology, the company partners with leading global consumer electronics and technology businesses to create next-generation solutions that enhance how we see and interact with the world.
The company has developed a breakthrough adaptive lens system with the potential to significantly improve visual performance in emerging AR/VR/XR devices. This innovation has attracted strong interest across the consumer technology sector and is driving the next phase of the company's R&D programme, including the expansion of its technical capabilities and engineering team.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a fast-growing technology business at the forefront of optical innovation, contributing to cutting-edge research and the development of transformative technologies with global impact. The company offers a highly collaborative and technically ambitious environment where innovation and engineering excellence are central to its culture.
The Role
The company is currently scaling its manufacturing processes, transferring original development processes into a pilot production line for the manufacture of prototype devices.
A key part of this work is the development of robust SOPs that are reliable, repeatable, and efficient.
As a Manufacturing Technician, you will join the company's talented process development team and support the development and refinement of SOPs for the manufacture of the company's novel optical lens technology.
You will execute SOPs and provide feedback on areas requiring improvement or refinement, working collaboratively with the team to develop and implement process improvements where required. Over time, as the company scales, you will have the opportunity to help build and support a small team of technicians, training and guiding their activities.
This is more than just a standard Manufacturing Technician role — you will be a valued member of the process development team and will play a key role in supporting the manufacturability and scale-up of the company's novel lens system.
Responsibilities
Initial Training & Process Development
* Learn and become proficient in all manufacturing and assembly processes across the production line.
* Operate within a cleanroom manufacturing environment while maintaining high standards of quality, precision, and reliability.
* Support and manage cleanroom inventory, ensuring materials and consumables are correctly stocked and controlled.
* Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for material preparation, sub-assembly batch builds and full product builds. Recording manufacturing documentation accurately and consistently. In order to enable testing, development and external client facing samples.
* Develop a strong understanding of product handling, process flow, and manufacturing best practices.
Process Improvement & Operational Support
* Identify common manufacturing failure mechanisms and support root-cause investigations.
* Improve inventory management systems to enhance efficiency, traceability, and stock control.
* Ensure each manufacturing workstation is correctly equipped with the appropriate tools, fixtures, and materials required for production.
* Maintain organised and efficient manufacturing stations aligned with lean manufacturing principles.
* Contribute to continuous improvement activities by suggesting enhancements to SOPs, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
* Continue to execute production processes while actively driving incremental improvements in quality and efficiency.
Technical Understanding & Team Support
* Develop a detailed understanding of manufacturing processes, including the rationale behind SOP structure and process controls.
* Analyse process issues and contribute recommendations to prevent recurring manufacturing failures.
* Support process optimisation initiatives focused on yield, reliability, and repeatability.
* Train and mentor new team members on existing manufacturing processes and best practices.
* Work collaboratively with engineering and production teams to support scaling and continuous improvement activities.
* Maintain high standards of documentation, process discipline, and product quality within a precision manufacturing environment.
To be considered for the role of Manufacturing Technician, you will need:
* A qualification in an engineering or scientific discipline.
* 2+ years' experience in a similar manufacturing or production role.
* Experience working within a cleanroom manufacturing environment, or a similarly controlled environment such as laboratory environment.
* Experience manufacturing precision products such as optical systems, medical devices, aerospace components, or similar high-reliability products.
* Proven experience contributing to SOP development and continuous improvement activities.
* Experience with inventory management, material control and COSHH.
* Experience working to ISO 13485 standards is preferred.
* Competence in Microsoft Excel