Senior R&D Prototype Technician

We're looking for a Engineering R&D Technician who can turn early-stage ideas into physical prototypes transforming theoretical engineering concepts into testable, real world solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge and significant experience of prototype assembly to identify potential problems before they occur and instinctively put in place mitigations. You will take a hands-on role in the assembly, alignment, calibration and testing of advanced electro-mechanical prototypes used in the demanding environments of Security and Defence. Lead the build of new products, from prototype through to low-rate production. By bringing deep, technical expertise and craftsmanship and attention to detail, this role will play a critical role in the product journey from hand-crafted prototype to scalable product. This role will also support the company more generally by sharing skills and knowledge and demonstrating best practice.

This role will report to the Engineering Manager but will be tasked by the Project Manager responsible for each particular product development.

The role will require the building of strong relationships with Project Managers, Design Engineers, Production Engineers and Production Technicians.

OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England.

Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets, and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations.

We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high-profile sites and individuals around the world.

The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Join a high-energy, collaborative team based in the beautiful Northumberland countryside - where great ideas thrive, challenges are embraced, and people genuinely love what they do.

Here’s what our benefits have to offer:

Competitive remuneration package, with performance-related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.

25 days’ holiday + public holidays, with long-service rewards and the option to buy up to 5 additional days.

Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.

Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.

Life assurance for peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Salary sacrifice schemes – including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.

Paid team socials – from quiz nights and football to board games and more; we love to have fun together.

Pension plan with up to 4% employer-matched contributions to help you plan for the future.

A culture that empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.

What you’ll be doing:

Technical

• Mechanical assembly – Build complex prototypes with minimal instructions, using strong hands‑on mechanical skills
• Mechanical testing – Conduct mechanical, electrical, and optical testing, troubleshooting, and calibration
• Mechanical problem‑solving – Collaborate with engineers to refine build processes and resolve technical challenges
• Cleanroom practice – Maintain cleanroom standards and follow ESD‑safe and contamination‑control procedures
• Documentation – Work with Production Engineering to accurately record mechanical and assembly steps
• Continuous improvement – Contribute to initiatives that enhance mechanical quality, reliability, and throughput

Self-Management

• Be able to work autonomously

• Accept that things sometimes go wrong, be resilient and embrace change

• Be an excellent team player

What we’re looking for:

Essential

• Qualified to a minimum of HND level (or equivalent)

Demonstrable experience in the following areas:

• Good computer literacy and numerical skills

• Deep understanding of precision mechanical assembly, electronic trouble-shooting and optical alignment techniques. Experience with different materials and a knowledge of the strengths and potential pitfalls of working with different material combinations. Knowledge of different lubricant types.

• Strong knowledge of electrical wiring, crimping, soldering, and fiber-optic handling to relevant IPC standards.

• Practical experience in electronics or electrical assembly/repair with the ability to interpret a circuit diagram at a basic level.

• Familiarity with electrical test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.

• Proven hands-on experience building and testing electro-optical, opto-mechanical, or photonics assemblies.

• Ability to interpret complex technical documentation and engineering drawings. Ideally also able to interrogate 3D models in CAD to understand how designs fit together.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a methodical and analytical approach.

• Comfortable working in a cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environment.

• Strong attention to detail, dexterity, and commitment to exceptional build quality

As a small, fast growing company (with over 80 people which is continually expanding), we offer the opportunity for a professional to have autonomy and responsibility. You’ll directly see the impact of your efforts.

More about us:

Vision

Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.

Mission

Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence

Values

Be a Good Egg: Earn respect, have mutual trust and be honest

Do cool stuff: We develop cool tech with an awesome team, and we get stuff done

Be empowered: We are autonomous, reliable and take personal responsibility

We are one team: Look out for each other and the team

Things go wrong: Fail fast, learn and move on

Have fun: We’re doing amazing things with passionate people