Mechatronics Production Engineer Apprentice

OXFORD INSTRUMENTS PLC

Bristol (BS35 4GG)

Closes on Friday 31 July 2026

Posted on 16 March 2026

---

Summary

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the Production team at Plasma Technology and start an exciting career with Oxford Instruments. As an Apprentice, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge and experience to become a fully skilled Production Technician, supported by a structured programme of academic study and practical training.

• Wage:

  £16,900 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Salary is £16,900.00 for the first year. This raises to minimum range depending on age.

• Training course: Mechatronics maintenance technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday Shifts to be confirmed

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Saturday 26 September 2026

• Duration:

  3 years 6 months

• Positions available:

  4

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Build sub-assemblies and piece parts to achieve build schedules and conform to ISO 9001 procedures whilst under close supervision
• Aim to continuously improve skill levels by increasing key skills competency as defined during the duration of the Apprenticeship / training programme
• Maintain good housekeeping and 5S initiatives
• To carry out any other duties within the manufacturing department requested by management to support the production schedule
• Contribute to the performance of the Build Team through continuous improvements

Where you'll work

Western Approach Distribution Park
Severn Beach
Bristol
BS35 4GG

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Training course

Mechatronics maintenance technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Use information technology, for example to create documentation, communication and information management.
• Obtain, read and interpret task related documentation, such as work instructions, quality control documents, drawings, operation manuals, specifications and service manuals.
• Record information for example job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
• Conduct initial assessment of equipment that requires maintenance.
• Formulate plans setting out the methodology of the maintenance activity including timescales and resources.
• Select, prepare and use material, consumables, tools and equipment.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and organisational requirements applicable in the workplace. For example, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, PPE and applying safe systems of work.
• Apply dynamic risk assessment, hazard identification and risk mitigation principles and techniques.
• Apply isolation principles and techniques to equipment undergoing maintenance, including dissipation of stored energies as required.
• Manufacture, repair and refurbish components using hand and machine tools.
• Restore the workplace on completion of the maintenance activity. Handover resources, consumables and equipment to process owner.
• Apply the techniques and processes used in reactive maintenance and repair activities on complex engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Produce, maintain, update, record and store documentation including electronic items such as PLC and robot programmes.
• Apply techniques and processes used in planned and preventative maintenance activities on engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Apply functional testing and checking techniques and processes after maintenance interventions, and handover to the operational team.
• Apply techniques and processes used in condition monitoring, non-destructive or sensory testing. Record findings and take necessary actions.
• Apply calculation techniques such as, feeds, speeds, tolerances, electrical calculations using Ohms law, power calculations and cable sizing calculations.
• Select, use and confirm calibration of electrical and mechanical testing and measuring equipment.
• Produce sketches or drawings to support maintenance activities.
• Communicate in writing. Prepare communications, documents and reports on technical matters.
• Segregate, separate and dispose of waste streams and by-products.
• Apply 4S or 5S principles of housekeeping to the work environment.
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve operational performance.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Communicate with others verbally. Negotiate with colleagues or stakeholders. For example, to access equipment or arrange access to equipment.
• Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
• Apply fault finding techniques used in reactive maintenance on complex integrated systems including half split, input output, six point technique, function or performance testing, unit or component substitution and equipment diagnostics.
• Use information technology, for example to create documentation, communication and information management.
• Obtain, read and interpret task related documentation, such as work instructions, quality control documents, drawings, operation manuals, specifications and service manuals.
• Record information for example job sheets, risk assessments, equipment service records, test results, handover documents and manufacturers' documentation, asset management records, work sheets, checklists, waste environmental records and any legal reporting requirements.
• Conduct initial assessment of equipment that requires maintenance.
• Formulate plans setting out the methodology of the maintenance activity including timescales and resources.
• Select, prepare and use material, consumables, tools and equipment.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and organisational requirements applicable in the workplace. For example, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, PPE and applying safe systems of work.
• Apply dynamic risk assessment, hazard identification and risk mitigation principles and techniques.
• Apply isolation principles and techniques to equipment undergoing maintenance, including dissipation of stored energies as required.
• Manufacture, repair and refurbish components using hand and machine tools.
• Restore the workplace on completion of the maintenance activity. Handover resources, consumables and equipment to process owner.
• Apply the techniques and processes used in reactive maintenance and repair activities on complex engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Produce, maintain, update, record and store documentation including electronic items such as PLC and robot programmes.
• Apply techniques and processes used in planned and preventative maintenance activities on engineered systems such as electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Apply functional testing and checking techniques and processes after maintenance interventions, and handover to the operational team.
• Apply techniques and processes used in condition monitoring, non-destructive or sensory testing. Record findings and take necessary actions.
• Apply calculation techniques such as, feeds, speeds, tolerances, electrical calculations using Ohms law, power calculations and cable sizing calculations.
• Select, use and confirm calibration of electrical and mechanical testing and measuring equipment.
• Produce sketches or drawings to support maintenance activities.
• Communicate in writing. Prepare communications, documents and reports on technical matters.
• Segregate, separate and dispose of waste streams and by-products.
• Apply 4S or 5S principles of housekeeping to the work environment.
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve operational performance.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Communicate with others verbally. Negotiate with colleagues or stakeholders. For example, to access equipment or arrange access to equipment.
• Follow equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
• Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
• Apply fault finding techniques used in reactive maintenance on complex integrated systems including half split, input output, six point technique, function or performance testing, unit or component substitution and equipment diagnostics.

Training schedule

• Build sub-assemblies and piece parts to achieve build schedules and conform to ISO 9001 procedures whilst under close supervision
• Aim to continuously improve skill levels by increasing key skills competency as defined during the duration of the Apprenticeship training programme
• Maintain good housekeeping and 5S initiatives
• To carry out any other duties within the manufacturing department requested by management to support the production schedule
• Contribute to the performance of the Build Team through continuous improvements

More training information

• You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship by a dedicated assessor from Weston College, who will guide you during your college studies and provide support within the workplace
• From September 2026, this programme will be delivered from our new Aerospace Skills Academy (ASA) in Filton, Bristol

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 5)
• Maths (grade 6)
• Science (grade 5)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Willingness to learn
• Punctual

Other requirements

• Due to the location of the site, it is desirable for candidates to be able to drive. The nearest train station is Severn Beach, which is approximately a 25-minute walk from the site, so applicants should ideally have access to a car or live within a reasonable commuting distance
• A strong commitment to learning and personal development
• An aptitude for mechatronic principles, with a desire to develop deeper technical knowledge and understanding
• Willingness to commit to the academic studies required to achieve the qualification, including completing assignments within agreed deadlines
• The ability to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times, with awareness of the impact of your actions on others
• A proactive attitude and willingness to take on responsibility

About this employer

Oxford Instruments is a leading provider of high technology tools and systems for research and industry. We design and manufacture equipment that can fabricate, analyse and manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular level. Our purpose is to accelerate the breakthroughs that create a brighter future for our world.

At Oxford Instruments, we push the boundaries of what’s possible, helping our customers achieve the breakthroughs that change our world. Whether it’s developing technology for a greener economy, designing devices that enhance digital connectivity, or creating next generation medicines and healthcare technology, we address the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Everything we make is exceptional, and each product and solution gives greater insight, clarity and accuracy. At Oxford Instruments, we don’t wait for change to happen. We enable it

https://www.oxinst.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• Private healthcare,
• 25 days annual leave,
• Half-days on Fridays,
• Defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan,
• Flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

After this apprenticeship

• Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will move into a role within Production, from there, you will have the opportunity to develop your career in a range of directions, with plenty of pathways available across the business

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Erin Allsworth

erin.allsworth@weston.ac.uk

01934411594

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000021379.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 31 July 2026