Summary
We are looking for an apprentice R&D Technician to join our team in Melbourn, based near Cambridge. You will be part of a large, multidisciplinary engineering team helping to develop instruments that are used in cutting edge scientific life science applications.
Annual wage
£22,308 a year
The company offers a generous Pension scheme, private healthcare and profit share (bonus) scheme. Cycle to work scheme.
Training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 7.5 hours per day. Flexible time with agreement, day release for college. Shifts TBC.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Possible start date
Tuesday 5 August
Duration
3 years 6 months
Positions available
1
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
The Apprentice R&D Technician post is part of a large, multidisciplinary engineering team developing instruments for cutting edge life science applications. The successful applicant will learn engineering applied to scientific instrumentation including prototypes and pre-production instruments, mechanical assembly, pneumatics, electronics, software and low temperature refrigeration.
You will be embedded in the Development Team and will become capable of operating, testing, fault-finding and repairing our products. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to get involved in the design and improvement tasks. Full training will be provided and linked to your academic studies during day release at college. You’ll additionally be receiving mentorship and guidance from a talented and experienced engineering team.
Typical tasks will include;
* Manual assembly
* Electrical assembly
* Machine operation and testing
* Liaising and assisting with the Manufacturing Department as needed
* Designing, building and maintaining test rigs
Where you’ll work
Melbourn Science Park Cambridge Road Melbourn
Royston
Hertfordshire
SG8 6EE
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
Your training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
Your training plan
A level 3 Technical qualification, typically Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Typically, you will qualify with a Product Design and Development outcome.
The practical period is the time dedicated to the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours for your apprenticeship which includes the following components;
• Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation
Competence)
• Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)
• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) – Product Design & Development
• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge).
The apprenticeship will involve attending college during term time.
In year 1, day release is 3 days in-college and with regular work-based assessments conducted by the College Assessor. In Years 2 and 3, day release is 1 day in-college, then into the 4th year is workplace for End Point Assessment stage.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4 or C)
* Maths (grade 4 or C)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
Other requirements
Some work is undertaken on platforms and ladders, no more than 2 metres from the ground. The apprenticeship start date is September 2025. Although the college course won’t start until Autunm 2025, we have employment starts available in Summer/ Autumn period.