Trainee Optical Technician

OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A LEADING GLOBAL MANUFACTURER OF PRECISION OPTICS. G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of our acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognised as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years. Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

G&H Phoenix is a key part of our Optical Systems Division, providing a full start to finish in-house service from raw glass slab material, cut discs and mouldings, right through to polished and coated finished optical parts, prisms and assemblies. Joining us means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and the pursuit of operational and design excellence.

Role

To set up machinery, processes or equipment to enable the safe manufacture of optics throughout the production process. To follow written procedures to ensure the best methods and equipment are used at any given time. Take responsibility of department/cell quality, output, safety and improvement targets.

Mandatory Responsibilities

• Adherence to all Company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities in relation to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality
• Working positively to develop and foster good working relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel in order to maintain a culture of mutual respect and dignity
• Promote and display the G&H values: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision

Responsibilities

• Learning to operate various optical grinding and polishing machines
• Assisting in the handling and preparation of raw materials
• Supporting experienced team members in precision manufacturing processes
• Conducting basic quality control checks using measurement tools
• Maintaining accurate production records and documentation
• Following health & safety and company procedures
• Contributing to a clean, organised, and efficient workspace
• Maintain all production documentation as per the relevant procedures such as route cards, time sheets, traceable data logs and any other department related documents
• Ensure MRP transactions are correct and completed in a timely manner
• Operate/use machinery and tools safely and correctly, reporting any concerns to your line manager
• Adherence to production processes and procedures at all times
• Provide feedback on production output to your line manager and support with corrective action if required
• Ensure you are working and maintaining quality standards as per BS9100
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures as per the company handbook
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities

Performance Measures

• Planned activity adherence
• Attendance
• Time keeping
• Timely delivery of Company products
• Completion of new product development pathways

Personal Attributes

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Result orientated
• Positive can do attitude
• Punctual and adaptable
• Ability to work as part of a larger team or on own initiative
• Flexible approach to working and shift patterns
• Willingness to learn and develop skills
• Attention to detail
• Methodical approach
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment and to meet deadlines

Skills and Abilities

• GCSE or equivalent qualifications in English, Maths and Science
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of similar manufacturing industry desirable (not essential)
• Knowledge of manual handling
• Strong organisational skills

Benefits Package

• Competitive salary, with premiums for shift work
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Opportunities for training and progression
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme
• £500 colleague referral bonus

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Security and Verification

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.