Equipment Technician in Towcester

Lumentum (NASDAQ: LITE) is a global leader in optical and photonic technologies that power the networks and infrastructure behind AI, cloud computing, and next-generation communications. Built on decades of photonics innovation, Lumentum delivers high-performance lasers, modules, and optical subsystems that enable scalable, energy-efficient data centre connectivity, advanced telecom networks, industrial manufacturing, and sensing applications.

As an Equipment Technician, you will provide technical support for the operation and maintenance of wafer fabrication and epitaxy equipment on a continental shift pattern. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced III-V semiconductor technologies within a highly specialised UK fabrication facility, supporting products deployed globally in next-generation communications networks.

Your primary focus will be the fault diagnosis, repair, and optimisation of advanced semiconductor process tools including:

• pneumatic systems
• mechanical systems
• electrical and RF systems
• equipment handling hazardous process gases and chemicals

This is a hands-on, high-precision engineering role ideal for those with experience maintaining complex electro-mechanical systems in critical environments, including high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, defence, or UK Armed Forces technical trades.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide rapid first-line engineering response to minimise tool downtime and production impact.
• Conduct repairs, fault diagnosis, and preventative maintenance on semiconductor processing equipment including (but not limited to) lithography, etch, PVD, PECVD, and MOVPE reactor systems.
• Manage chemical and specialty gas supply systems in compliance with statutory, site safety, and environmental standards.
• Support maintenance of gas delivery, exhaust, and abatement systems associated with epitaxy and PECVD tools.
• Manage spare parts inventory to ensure availability of critical components and minimise downtime.
• Implement and support preventative maintenance strategies to maximise OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and uptime.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 6S, 8D) and maintain accurate documentation of actions and outcomes.
• Participate in production and planning meetings to represent equipment engineering performance.
• Support the site emergency response function, including participation in the Site Emergency Response Team.
• Fork-lift truck operation will be required (training provided).

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship, HNC, HND, or Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent), or 2-5 years’ directly relevant experience in complex electro-mechanical system maintenance.

We actively welcome applications from engineers with experience in high-reliability environments such as:

• aerospace
• defence
• automotive
• manufacturing
• pharmaceuticals
• oil & gas
• UK Armed Forces technical trades

Direct semiconductor experience is advantageous but not essential.

Skills

• Proven experience in a high-tech, precision-engineering environment.
• Strong fault-finding and diagnostic ability across electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous gases and chemicals.
• Ability to follow detailed documented procedures with minimal supervision.
• Competence in documenting procedures, risk assessments, and method statements.
• Effective time management and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Team-oriented approach with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation and communicate effectively within a safety-critical manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience within a semiconductor or cleanroom manufacturing environment.

Other Requirements

• 40.3 hours per week on a continental shift pattern: 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off (12-hour shifts including weekends and bank holidays).
• Work performed within a cleanroom environment (garments provided).
• Role requires use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Candidates must meet medical and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) face-fit requirements in accordance with site safety standards.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK.
• The Caswell site is located in a rural area of Northamptonshire.
• A full UK driving licence and access to own transport are essential.

Lumentum is committed to equal opportunities and actively seeks applications from all sections of the community regardless of sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, dependents, age, religion, or belief.