Specialist Technician - Engineering

We are seeking a hands-on Engineering / Electronics / Optical Technician to support the development, build and repair of advanced electro-optical products and prototype systems in an R&D environment. You will take ownership of small prototypes and test rigs from initial build, through commissioning, test and fault finding. The role demands excellent manual dexterity and great care in handling, preparing and routing optical fibre to a high standard, alongside strong electronic assembly and diagnostic skills.

Key responsibilities:

• Build, assemble and rework electro-optical prototypes, test systems and jigs from drawings, schematics and work instructions.
• Handle, strip, cleave, splice, terminate and route optical fibre assemblies with exceptional care and repeatability, ensuring low-loss, highly reliable connections.
• Integrate optical components, fibre harnesses, PCBs, wiring looms and mechanical sub-assemblies into complete prototype units.
• Perform component level repair on electronic assemblies, including PCB rework and modification using bench top soldering tools.
• Diagnose faults and failures and translate findings into clear corrective actions and design/manufacturing feedback.
• Carry out informal functional tests, characterisation and debug activities on your own initiative, documenting methods and results.
• Design and fabricate simple assembly and test jigs/fixtures (including the use of basic machine tools and/or 3D printing, depending on experience).
• Maintain organised, safe and tidy lab/workshop areas, ensuring tools and diagnostic equipment are serviceable and correctly used.
• Produce and maintain clear build records, repair reports and documentation, and contribute to the improvement of build and test processes.
• You will often work independently, while still collaborating with engineers to prioritise tasks and communicate progress and realistic timescales.

Skills and experience:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in an R&D or low volume production environment building, commissioning and debugging prototypes or instruments.
• Proven fine assembly skills and outstanding manual dexterity, ideally including experience with optical fibre or similarly delicate components.
• Strong soldering and rework capability for through hole and SMD PCB assemblies.
• Practical experience of electronic assembly and disassembly, wiring to schematics and working with hand tools.
• Confident user of basic electronic test equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret circuit schematics, technical drawings and build documentation.
• Good general IT skills, including use of MS Office (Word/Excel) for documentation and reporting.

Xtera will provide appropriate training where the successful candidate lacks some of these skills or experience.

Desirable:

• Previous work with optical fibre preparation, termination, splicing, connectorization or fibre-based test setups.
• Experience with informal mechanical design and light fabrication (e.g. drills, hand tools) and/or additive manufacturing (3D printing).

Personal attributes:

• Good timekeeper. Be able to work proactively, within a team and independently, with the judgement to seek clarification when required.
• Organised, with strong attention to detail and pride in producing neat, consistent assemblies (especially fibre and wiring).
• Adaptable and comfortable switching between tasks as project priorities change.
• Determined and methodical in following through challenging fault finding and debug tasks.
• Clear, concise communicator, able to document work and discuss issues with engineers and other stakeholders.

Other information:

• Appropriate technical qualification (e.g. relevant diploma/apprenticeship) or equivalent vocational experience.
• Full UK driving license.
• Willingness to occasionally work at other Xtera sites within the UK.
• Right to work in the UK.