Process Engineer (Precision Assembly) in St Leonards

Location: St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex

About the Position

Photonic Science & Engineering Limited (PSEL) is a leading specialist imaging equipment manufacturer of high-performance digital cameras and detector systems covering the spectrum from X-ray, visible, Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) and neutron detection. The company is based in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex and has around 30 employees. PSEL is part of the Tibidabo Scientific Industries group of companies.

The Role

PSEL is seeking the right individual to join the Operations team in the full-time role of Process Engineer (Precision Assembly), reporting to the Operations Manager. This is a practical, lab-based engineering role focused on the assembly, preparation and integration of high-precision imaging components. The role is ideally suited to someone with excellent manual dexterity, a meticulous attention to detail and experience working with precision assemblies in a laboratory, cleanroom or high-technology manufacturing environment. The role would also be ideal for someone at an early stage in their career or with an engineering apprenticeship background, who enjoys working with tools, building things and learning new processes. Working within a small and collaborative team, you will play an important role in delivering high-quality products while supporting ongoing development of assembly techniques and processes. The role involves taking ownership of critical manufacturing steps such as sensor window removal and fibre optic bonding, while also supporting process improvements, tooling, and production reliability. This role suits someone who is mechanically minded, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with delicate components in a lab environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform sensor window removal on delicate imaging devices using controlled processes
• Carry out sensor to fibre optic bonding (optical bonding), ensuring high precision and repeatability
• Support scintillation processes when required (training provided)
• Operate and maintain lab equipment, fixtures, and bonding tools
• Work from engineering drawings and procedures to ensure consistent build quality
• Support the design and improvement of jigs and fixtures to aid manufacturing
• Assist with optics machining and preparation where required
• Troubleshoot process issues and implement practical, hands-on solutions
• Contribute to process documentation, standard operating procedures, and continuous improvement
• Work closely with engineering and production teams to ensure smooth workflow and product quality
• Follow all health and safety procedures

Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following relevant skills, knowledge and experience:

• Hands-on engineering background (apprenticeship or equivalent experience preferred)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence using workshop/lab tools
• Experience working in a lab, production, or precision assembly environment
• Ability to work with small, delicate components with high attention to detail
• Comfortable reading and following engineering drawings and procedures
• Practical problem-solving mindset and willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Good manual dexterity and patience for precision work

Although not essential, the following are considered as desirable skills and/or qualities for the role:

• Experience with optical bonding, adhesives, or precision assembly
• Exposure to optics, sensors, or imaging systems
• Experience with jigs, fixtures, or process tooling
• Familiarity with controlled lab environments or clean processes

Employee Benefits

In return for a rewarding and fulfilling career, successful candidates can look forward to receiving a competitive salary, plus the following employee benefits:

• Holiday (Annual Leave Entitlement): Employees receive 25 days annual leave each year for use between January and December; this is in addition to Bank Holidays, of which there are typically eight. After five full holiday calendar years’ service, leave entitlement increases to give 26 days.
• Pension Scheme: eligible employees will be automatically enrolled into the company’s Group Personal Pension Scheme with Royal London after completing three months’ service. The scheme is run on a salary sacrifice system with Pension contributions made at 6% Employer and 2% Employee, although employees may increase their contributions if they choose.
• Group Life Assurance: Employees are automatically enrolled into the Company’s GLA scheme which pays 4x salary in the event of death in service.
• Income Protection Scheme: the Company provides an income protection scheme which pays up to 75% of an Employee’s basic salary in the event of sickness or disability for more than 13 weeks. The scheme is available to all Employees between the ages of 16 and 70.
• Employee Assistance Programme: the Employee Assistance Programme is available to all Employees, providing free access to a confidential helpline for immediate help and support with any issues for Employees and their family, whether work related or personal.
• Private Healthcare: Employees are eligible to join the private medical insurance (PMI) scheme after 3 months service, with the company paying the full premium of single cover membership for employees. The scheme is considered as a taxable benefit. Employees can join the scheme at any time during their employment, with the option of extending cover to include a partner, children or family with the cost of extended cover deducted from month salary payments.

Full details of the Employee Benefits are available upon provisional offer of employment.