Electrical Lab Technician

Magdrive Ltd; Harwell; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Harwell is seeking an experienced Electrical Lab Technician to bridge prototyping and testing. You will conduct electrical tests, assemble hardware, and maintain a safe lab environment. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of relevant experience, knowledge of lab safety, and proficiency with test equipment. This role offers a competitive salary between £40k - £50k and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Flexible working hours

Financial support for home office setup

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a similar role within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Knowledge of ESD and lab safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Carry out electrical wiring and harness assembly for lab and thruster systems.
• Run electrical tests and collect data.
• Maintain the lab environment.
• Document results and test procedures.

Skills

Electrical wiring and harness assembly

Experience with test equipment

Fine‑pitch soldering

Knowledge of lab safety practices

Attention to detail

Job description

Magdrive is developing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion. Our cutting‑edge thruster technology promises to deliver unmatched thrust and efficiency, enabling accessibility to new orbits and entirely new industries such as satellite servicing, orbital assembly, and interplanetary transport.

As an Electrical Lab Technician at Magdrive, you will be the bridge between prototyping and testing. You’ll work closely with the electrical and product teams to run rigorous electrical tests, assemble and rework hardware, and ensure our laboratory operates at the highest standard. This is a hands‑on role, combining practical assembly with structured testing and documentation to help push our thruster technology toward flight readiness.

We offer a supportive and flexible work environment, with the ability to adjust work hours, hybrid working, competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and regular company socials. Magdrive is based at the Harwell Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK, with occasional remote working possible.

What you will be doing

• Carrying out electrical wiring and harness assembly for lab and thruster systems
• Running electrical tests (including automated testing), collecting and reporting data
• Performing soldering, fine‑pitch component rework, and repair of prototype/production boards
• Maintaining the lab environment, ensuring it is well equipped, tidy, and safe
• Procuring, maintaining, calibrating, and organising lab equipment and tools
• Ensuring compliance with lab rules, ESD safety, and general health & safety procedures
• Documenting results, test procedures, and observations for traceability

What we are looking for

• 5+ years of experience in a similar role within a manufacturing/engineering environment
• Knowledge of ESD and lab safety practices
• Proficiency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DAQ, power supplies etc
• Familiarity with PCB design software and ability to interpret circuit diagrams/layouts
• Electrical wiring and harness assembly experience (soldering/crimping)
• Fine‑pitch soldering and component‑level rework skills (ESA‑certified soldering a plus – training can be provided)
• Dedicated to high quality standards with strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with ECSS standards for space electronics and experience in aerospace industry
• Trained in IPC standards for inspection, soldering, and cable harnesses

Exposure to vacuum testing and environmental qualification

What we offer

💷 Salary: £40k – £50k per annum (DOE)
🌴 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, plus long‑service awards (up to 30 days)
🏥 Private medical insurance
⏰ Flexible working hours
💻 Remote working where possible
🏡 Financial support for home office setup

Unit 4, Bep0 Building, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, United Kingdom, OX11 0GD.