Senior R&D Prototype Technician in Northumberland

We are looking for an Engineering R&D Prototype Technician. We love to have fun together. We offer a pension plan with up to 4% employer‑matched contributions to help you plan for the future. Our culture empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.

What you’ll be doing:

• Technical Mechanical assembly – Build complex prototypes with minimal instructions, using strong hands‑on mechanical skills.
• Mechanical testing – Conduct mechanical, electrical, and optical testing, troubleshooting, and calibration.
• Mechanical problem‑solving – Collaborate with engineers to refine build processes and resolve technical challenges.
• Cleanroom practice – Maintain cleanroom standards and follow ESD‑safe and contamination‑control procedures.
• Documentation – Work with Production Engineering to accurately record mechanical and assembly steps.
• Continuous improvement – Contribute to initiatives that enhance mechanical quality, reliability, and throughput.
• Self‑Management – Be able to work autonomously, accept that things sometimes go wrong, be resilient and embrace change, and be an excellent team player.

What we’re looking for:

• Essential – Qualified to a minimum of HND level (or equivalent).
• Demonstrable experience in the following areas:
• Good computer literacy and numerical skills.
• Deep understanding of precision mechanical assembly, electronic troubleshooting, and optical alignment techniques.
• Experience with different materials and 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 fibre‑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.

As a small, fast-growing company (with over 80 people which is continually expanding), 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.