Process Development Technician

We are seeking a hands-on Process Development Technician to join an innovative optical technology company in Oxfordshire, supporting the development and scale-up of novel manufacturing processes for next-generation adaptive lens technology.

Working within a highly scientific, multidisciplinary R&D environment, you will support the transition of manufacturing processes from laboratory development into pilot-scale production. This will involve working closely with scientists and engineers to trial and refine manufacturing procedures, evaluate process performance, identify potential improvements and help establish reliable, repeatable manufacturing operations.

This is an opportunity for a technically curious and practically minded individual who enjoys hands-on work, understands the importance of precision and process control, and wants to contribute to the development of new manufacturing technologies.

About the Company

Our client is an innovative deep-tech company developing advanced adaptive lens technology based on proprietary optical soft materials and fluid-filled lens systems. Its technologies have applications across AR/VR/XR, ophthalmics, optical instrumentation and next-generation consumer electronics.

The company works with leading global technology businesses to develop novel optical solutions, combining expertise in materials science, optical engineering, precision mechanical systems and advanced manufacturing.

As the business progresses towards pilot-scale manufacturing, it is expanding its process development and manufacturing capabilities to support the transition of its technology from laboratory prototypes towards repeatable, scalable production.

The company offers a highly collaborative R&D environment where scientists, engineers and technicians work closely together to solve complex technical challenges and develop innovative manufacturing solutions.

The Role

As a Process Development Technician, you will join the company's process and manufacturing team, supporting the development, evaluation and refinement of manufacturing processes for its novel adaptive lens technology.

The company is currently transferring manufacturing processes from laboratory development into a pilot production environment. A key focus of the team is establishing robust manufacturing procedures that deliver consistent product quality, process repeatability and improved manufacturing efficiency.

Working closely with process engineers and scientists, you will undertake hands-on manufacturing and process development activities, following established and evolving SOPs, collecting and recording process data, identifying defects and process inconsistencies, and contributing practical feedback to support process troubleshooting and improvement.

You will also support the organisation and day-to-day operation of the pilot manufacturing environment, including equipment preparation, material control, documentation and maintaining appropriate manufacturing standards.

As the manufacturing operation develops, there will be opportunities to take greater responsibility for established processes and support the training of additional technicians.

This is a varied, technically engaging position offering exposure to novel materials, precision manufacturing processes and multidisciplinary engineering within an R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support process engineers and scientists in the development, trialling and refinement of manufacturing processes for novel optical devices.
• Undertake hands-on manufacturing activities, following established and evolving standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support the transfer of manufacturing processes from laboratory development into pilot-scale production.
• Accurately collect, record and maintain manufacturing and process data, ensuring full traceability of materials, components and manufactured devices.
• Identify, document and communicate manufacturing defects, process inconsistencies and potential failure mechanisms.
• Assist with process investigations, troubleshooting activities and manufacturing trials under the guidance of the process development team.
• Provide practical feedback on manufacturing procedures, equipment, tooling and process performance, contributing to improvements in repeatability, efficiency and product quality.
• Support the preparation, review and continuous improvement of manufacturing documentation and SOPs.
• Maintain manufacturing workstations, equipment and materials in accordance with appropriate quality, safety and housekeeping standards.
• Support cleanroom operations, including inventory management, material handling and purchasing activities.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary R&D colleagues, communicating process observations, manufacturing progress and technical issues.
• As manufacturing activities expand, support the training of new technicians in established manufacturing procedures.

About You

We are looking for a technically capable, hands-on individual who enjoys working with precision products and has the curiosity and attention to detail needed to contribute effectively within a process development environment.

Essential requirements

• A technical qualification in engineering, applied science, manufacturing or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant practical experience.
• Hands-on experience in a technical manufacturing, laboratory, engineering or process-related environment.
• Good practical skills and mechanical aptitude, with the ability to work accurately with small, delicate or precision components.
• An understanding of the importance of manufacturing process control, repeatability, quality and accurate documentation.
• The ability to recognise manufacturing defects, process inconsistencies and deviations from expected outcomes.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to following procedures, recording data and maintaining traceability.
• The ability to communicate technical observations and manufacturing issues clearly to scientists, engineers and other team members.
• A willingness to learn the scientific and engineering principles underlying novel manufacturing processes.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the flexibility to work within an evolving R&D and pilot manufacturing environment.
• Competence in Microsoft Excel and general data recording.

Desirable experience

• Experience in process development, R&D manufacturing, prototype production, pilot manufacturing or manufacturing scale-up.
• Experience manufacturing precision products, including optical devices, medical devices, scientific instrumentation, electronics or other high-reliability products.
• Experience working with novel materials, adhesives, coatings or precision assembly processes.
• Experience supporting manufacturing trials, process optimisation, failure investigations or continuous improvement activities.
• Familiarity with cleanroom manufacturing, laboratory operations or other controlled environments.
• Experience working within ISO 13485, ISO 9001 or comparable quality management systems.
• Knowledge of inventory management, material control and COSHH requirements.

Above all, we are looking for someone with strong practical capability, technical curiosity and the ability to work effectively alongside scientists and engineers to support the development of reliable manufacturing processes.