Production Engineer - Optical & Semiconductor Systems in Abingdon

Help build the technology enabling the next generation of semiconductors. At Infinitesima, we're developing advanced metrology systems that allow the world's leading semiconductor companies to measure and understand materials at the nanoscale. We're looking for an experienced Production Engineer to build, integrate and test the precision optical, electro-mechanical and photonic assemblies that form the heart of our breakthrough technology. This is not a high-volume production role. You’ll work on complex, high-value systems, collaborating closely with engineers and scientists to solve manufacturing challenges, improve processes and ensure our products perform to the highest standards.

About Us

Based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Infinitesima is a rapidly growing deep-tech company developing next-generation metrology solutions for the semiconductor industry. Backed by leading global investors, including Applied Ventures, we're combining world-class engineering, physics and software expertise to solve some of the industry's most complex measurement challenges.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manufacture and test complex optical, cabling, and electro-mechanical sub-assemblies, ensuring compliance with manufacturing, assembly, and test procedures, quality requirements, and performance standards, while contributing to continuous process improvement.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve manufacturing issues by leading root cause analysis and permanent corrective actions, collaborating with engineering and cross-functional support teams to deliver effective, long-term solutions.
• Drive manufacturing process improvements by designing safe trials, validating process changes, and updating standards and controls to improve quality, reliability, and efficiency.
• Lead complex system integration activities, validating module and system performance, resolving integration issues, and ensuring manufacturing readiness.
• Mentor and support colleagues, ensure BoM kit readiness, and maintain high standards of housekeeping and health and safety.
• Partner with Engineering to support product development, new product introduction (NPI), and the successful transfer of new products and processes into production.
• Lead the delivery of production commitments by ensuring high-quality, right-first-time assembly and test, coordinating priorities, and removing barriers to schedule achievement.

What We’re Looking For

• You’ll come from within semiconductor equipment, photonics, scientific instrumentation, aerospace, medical devices or another advanced technology manufacturing environment.
• Production Engineer experience, or a minimum of five years' experience in a Senior Manufacturing Technician role.
• Experience with optical systems, fibre optics, lasers, electronics, and electro-mechanical integration and test.
• Experience building, integrating, and testing complex, high-value technology products.
• Background in cleanroom manufacturing and controlled environments.
• Analytical approach to troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Experience transitioning products from development into production.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality systems and process controls.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience building and testing precision assemblies to high quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability in manufacturing engineering and process development.
• Knowledge and application of Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent improvement methodologies.

Nice to Have

• Semiconductor equipment manufacturing background.
• Knowledge of AFM, metrology, photonics, or scientific instrumentation.
• IPC wiring and soldering certification.
• Background supporting low-volume, high-complexity products.

Qualifications

HND, degree, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience in engineering, manufacturing, photonics, electronics, electro-mechanical assembly or a related discipline.

A bit about us: Infinitesima is a privately owned company founded in 2001, as a spin-out of the University of Bristol, by CTO Professor Andrew Humphris. Our dynamic team of scientists and engineers is focussed on enabling the next generation of semiconductor devices through delivery of innovative products to customers around the world. Our strength lies in the varied perspectives that come from different cultures, experiences, and identities. We believe that true innovation is fuelled by collaboration, locally and globally. We strive to foster an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully and thrive.

If you require adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know, we’ll do our best to support you.

A note on how we run interviews: We use AI only to transcribe our interviews so we can focus fully on you instead of scribbling notes. The AI does not take part in any decision making at any stage. All hiring decisions are made by real humans based on the conversation we have with you.

Location and work pattern: All of our new UK team members are asked to work on site here at Abingdon during their first three months with us. We offer flexible, hybrid working where possible upon completion of probation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and aim to create a fair, supportive recruitment process. To keep things clear, this role needs someone who already has the permanent right to work in the UK. If a role calls for unique expertise that’s hard to find locally, we may explore sponsorship options — though this is uncommon. Regretfully, we very rarely sponsor VISA's due to the length of time and cost of sponsorship per application.