Optical Mechanical Technician

About the Role

Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow – we are creating it. From cutting-edge defence technology to ground-breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives. Join us as an Optical Mechanical Technician at our Farnborough site, where you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in partnership with some of the most brilliant minds.

We are seeking an experienced Optical Mechanical Technician to help support and develop our manufacturing capabilities to produce state-of-the-art optical technologies. In this dynamic, team-focused role, you’ll play a key part in developing innovative products by building and testing optical components and assemblies. You’ll work across both established production processes and new product introduction (NPI) projects, ensuring quality and performance at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Working hands-on with optical processes, including fibre splicing, lens mounting, and other precision assembly techniques.
• Manufacturing optical and fibre-based products and assemblies to specification, carrying out complex technical or engineering tasks independently.
• Operating and monitoring production machinery to ensure smooth, efficient manufacturing operations, performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting minor issues as required.
• Following production schedules and quality standards to meet output targets, while documenting production data accurately for tracking and reporting.
• Conducting regular equipment checks and preventive maintenance to maintain reliability, promptly reporting significant machinery issues or failures to supervisors to minimise downtime.
• Operating within shop-floor activities safely and responsibly, in full compliance with company Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in fibre splicing and optical assembly manufacture, including splicing of similar and dissimilar fibres, cleaning and fitting of optics, and following established best practices.
• Skilled in optical measurements using high-resolution power meters and cut-back methods; experienced in fibre jacket removal, fibre stripping, and maintaining precision standards in optical work.
• Proficient in using and maintaining automated splice machines (e.g. Fujikura, Sumitomo), ensuring consistent quality and operational reliability.
• Capable of manufacturing assemblies to specification using engineering drawings and electronic production systems, working to high standards without direct supervision.
• Strong understanding of clean room procedures, health and safety regulations, and quality standards in controlled manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma manufacturing principles, with familiarity in quality control processes and safety regulations relevant to manufacturing operations.

We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn, then we would like to hear from you.

Location & Working Hours

This role is 37 hours per week based at our Farnborough site. This role is fully on-site.

About Farnborough Site

At our Farnborough site, exciting work takes place in our state-of-the-art facility, featuring high-energy laser technologies, our 5m pressurised wind tunnel with unique simulation capabilities in the UK, and large research and development projects. It is a real hub of creativity, research, and innovation. Join our talented teams of Engineers, IT & Cyber Specialists, Project Managers, Group Functions Teams, and many more to provide future defences in the UK.

Why Join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies, constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued, and realise your full potential. Visit our website to read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture: www.qinetiq.com/en/careers/life-at-qinetiq

Benefits

• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
• Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days.
• Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance.
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets, and much more.
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
• Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local communities.

Recruitment Process & Security

We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.

Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum.