Hardware Laboratory Technician
Posted
Summary
Runs the day-to-day hardware lab for a team building optical interconnect prototypes: reworking and hand-assembling fine-pitch PCBAs, building opto-mechanical fixtures and cables, executing electrical and optical test plans, and managing lab safety, calibration, and component stock. Core skills are IPC soldering/rework, lab test equipment, fibre handling, and COSHH/ESD control.
We are looking for a Hardware Laboratory Technician to run our hardware lab and support the engineering team building optical interconnect prototypes. You will build, rework, and test PCBAs, opto-mechanical fixtures, and cables, execute test plans, and keep the lab safe, stocked, and organised.This role suits a hands-on technician with excellent fine-pitch soldering skills and an eye for detail, who takes ownership of the lab and is keen to grow alongside a fast-moving engineering team.
- Run the hardware lab day to day — layout, housekeeping, bench allocation, ESD control, and lab safety — so engineers can build and test without delay.
- Maintain the lab equipment register: calibration schedules, PAT, servicing, fault reporting, and loan tracking.
- Rework and repair PCBAs to IPC-7711/7721: fine-pitch SMT, QFN and BGA, 0201 passives, wire modifications, and component swaps under the microscope.
- Hand-assemble prototype and small-batch PCBAs from BoMs and assembly drawings, and inspect incoming boards from external assembly suppliers.
- Build opto-mechanical fixtures — mounts, stages, and fibre holders — and carry out fibre handling, connector cleaning, and inspection.
- Build cables and harnesses to IPC/WHMA-A-620: crimped, soldered, and coaxial assemblies, with continuity and insulation checks.
- Manage COSHH materials: maintain the substance register, safety data sheets, and risk assessments, and control storage, labelling, and waste disposal.
- Bring up and test PCBAs — power-up, rail checks, and functional test — using oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and signal generators.
- Execute PCBA and optical test plans under engineering direction, including optical power, spectrum, and high-speed link measurements.
- Record test data accurately and traceably; maintain build logs, serial-number tracking, and non-conformance records.
- Order electronic and optical components and materials: raise quotes and purchase requisitions, chase suppliers, receive goods, and manage stock, kitting, and moisture-sensitive device storage.
- Prepare build packs for external PCB fabrication and assembly suppliers, and check first-off builds.
- Write and maintain work instructions, build records, and lab procedures.
- Make simple mechanical parts and modifications — drilling, tapping, and 3D printing — to support prototype builds.
- Pack and ship samples and hardware to partners in an ESD-safe, traceable manner.
- HNC, HND, BTEC Level 3/4, or an engineering apprenticeship in electronics, or equivalent industry experience.
- Proven hand soldering and rework of fine-pitch SMT components, ideally certified to IPC J-STD-001 or IPC-7711/7721, or willing to gain certification.
- Confident use of standard lab test equipment: oscilloscope, multimeter, bench power supply, and signal generator.
- Able to read schematics, assembly drawings, and BoMs.
- Hands-on experience of cable and harness builds.
- Working knowledge of COSHH and ESD control in a lab or production environment.
- Organised, with careful record keeping and good working knowledge of Excel.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and pride in a well-run lab.
- Delivery-focused and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Collaborative team player with strong communication skills.
- Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced technology environment.
- Experience of optical environments, optical fibre handling and optical power measurement, Python for test automation and data logging, PCB CAD such as Altium, mechanical CAD such as SolidWorks or FreeCAD, IPC-A-610 inspection, or laser safety would be an advantage.
- Pension scheme
- Private medical & dental insurance
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
