Electro-optical Prototype Technician

2 weeks ago

Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom OpenWorks Engineering Full time £42,000 - £60,000 per year
We're looking for an Electro-optical Prototype Technician with hands-on technical expertise to lead the assembly, alignment and testing of advanced electro-optical systems, build product prototypes and help transition hand-crafted designs into scalable products while sharing best practice across the company.

Based in Prudhoe (Northumberland), OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

We're afraid we are unable to sponsor a visa for this position.

Our benefits:
  • Salary from £42,000
  • Flexible working options available. We recognise the commitment and care of our team in making OpenWorks the success that it is and understand that life and work don't always fit neatly into set hours so we're happy to consider flexible working arrangements
  • Performance related bonus
  • 25 days holiday plus public holidays (+ long-service bonus days)
  • Free breakfast and a free freshly cooked lunch served daily by Chef Mark and his team
  • Private health care insurance (via Aviva)
  • Death in service cover to protect those close to you
  • EV car scheme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Paid team socials (i.e. think quiz nights, football, board game events and more)
  • Pension scheme (up to 4% matched contribution)
  • A high-energy and dynamic work environment, based in the beautiful Northumberland countryside
  • A positive company culture - we enable change, encourage challenge and demonstrate commitment
What you'll be doing:

By applying deep technical expertise, craftsmanship, and strong attention to detail, this role will be key in taking products from hand-built prototypes through to scalable production. It will also contribute more broadly by sharing knowledge, supporting others, and demonstrating best practice. The role reports to the Engineering Manager and will take day-to-day direction from the relevant Project Manager, working closely with Project Managers, Design Engineers, Production Engineers, and Production Technicians to build effective working relationships.

You'll:
  • Work alongside design engineers without detailed assembly instructions, with only sketched wiring diagrams but a wealth of experience to assemble precision prototypes
  • Perform fine alignment using lasers and collimators
  • Conduct electrical and optical testing, troubleshooting and calibration.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to refine build processes and creatively resolve technical challenges.
  • Maintain cleanroom standards and follow ESD-safe and contamination-control practices
  • Work with Production Engineering to document assembly steps accurately and thoroughly
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, reliability and throughput
What we're looking for:
  • Be able to work autonomously
  • Accept that things sometimes go wrong, be resilient and embrace change
  • Be an excellent team player
  • Qualified to a minimum of HND level (or equivalent)
  • Good computer literacy and numerical skills
  • Significant experience in the below areas noted
  • Deep understanding of precision mechanical assembly and optical alignment techniques. Experience with different materials and a knowledge of the strengths and potential pitfalls of working with different material combinations. Knowledge of different lubricant types
  • Strong knowledge of electrical wiring, crimping, soldering and fiber-optic handling to relevant IPC standards
  • Practical experience in electronics or electrical assembly/repair with the ability to interpret a circuit diagram at a basic level
  • Familiarity with electrical test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes
  • Proven hands-on experience building and testing electro-optical, opto-mechanical, or photonics assemblies
  • Ability to interpret complex technical documentation and engineering drawings. Ideally also able to interrogate 3D models in CAD to understand how designs fit together
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with a methodical and analytical approach
  • Comfortable working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment
  • Strong attention to detail, dexterity and commitment to exceptional build quality
What you'll get:
  • Real impact: You'll see the direct results of your work in products that protect people and assets across the world, from prototype to deployment
  • Autonomy and ownership: As part of a small, fast-growing team, you'll have the freedom to shape how things are done and take real responsibility for outcomes
  • Learning and growth: You'll work alongside exceptional engineers and innovators, gaining hands-on experience across mechanical, electrical, optical and production disciplines
  • A supportive culture: You'll join a team that values collaboration, curiosity and fun. Where people genuinely look out for each other and take pride in doing cool stuff together
As a small, fast growing company (with approx 70 people), we offer the opportunity for a professional to have autonomy and responsibility. You'll directly see the impact of your efforts.

More about us:

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies

Mission

Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence

Values

Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest

Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done

Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility

We are one team: Look out for each other and the team

Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on

Have fun: We're doing amazing things with passionate people

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