Job title: Calibration Technician – R&D
Department: Central Engineering & Facilities
Location: Southampton, UK
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 37.5 hours per week

A brighter future awaits you.
CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses, it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We’re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

Scope
The Calibration Technician role is primarily based at the Vision Centre, providing calibration and metrology support to Vision Centre and associated departments. During the training period, attendance at Hamble, Speedwell Park, and Warrior Close is required to develop competency across equipment and processes. The scope of the role includes calibration support for equipment located within Production, Engineering, Quality, and legacy R&D areas, as required. The role also provides cross-site calibration support within UK Business Units, including cover for planned absence of other Calibration Technicians. Travel to other CooperVision sites, suppliers, and training venues within the UK, and occasionally internationally, may be required. Transportation of samples for testing forms part of the role. The role operates within regulated laboratory, manufacturing, and cleanroom environments and requires strict adherence to Quality Management System requirements. Accuracy, traceability, and compliance are critical, as calibration errors may impact product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Job Summary
Following completion of appropriate training, the Vision Centre Calibration Technician is responsible for the calibration, verification, and documentation of metrology and precision equipment in accordance with the Quality Management System and applicable standards. The role requires excellent attention to detail, effective communication skills, strong problem-solving ability, good hand-eye coordination, and a willingness to learn new processes and technologies. The technician will work closely with internal CooperVision stakeholders and approved external calibration providers.

Responsibilities

• Perform calibration of equipment in line with the Quality Management System and company procedures.
• Plan, schedule, and complete calibration activities to meet agreed timelines.
• Respond to calibration requests efficiently and professionally.
• Arrange internal and external calibration of equipment and test pieces.
• Perform minor repairs and resolve equipment-related issues where appropriate.
• Review and verify in-house and subcontracted measurement results for compliance with company and national standards.
• Accurately input calibration data into the calibration management system and maintain compliant records.
• Monitor, control, and maintain measurement and calibration equipment and associated records.
• Liaise with cross-functional departments to ensure equipment is calibrated to specification and within scheduled intervals.
• Provide technical input into the development, review, and verification of calibration procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Essentials

• Computer literate with a firm understanding of the Microsoft operating system.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word and Excel).
• Clear communicator, with the ability to articulate information in a user-friendly way.
• Ability to adapt and work effectively whether independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to keep accurate and well-ordered records.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload effectively.

Desirables

• Knowledge of basic statistical tools and techniques would be advantageous.
• Mechanical Engineering and experience of precision measuring Equipment.
• Knowledge or experience of maintenance tracking system (CMMS systems).
• Knowledge of ISO133485 QMS.
• Knowledge of COSHH

Work Environment
The job will function in air-conditioned offices, laboratories and manufacturing clean room environments. There is a requirement where necessary to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to items such as overalls eye protection and gloves. May be required to handle materials that are controlled by COSHH guidelines. Role requires the need to stand, walk and be seated for periods of time. Lifting and movement of Test equipment will be required <25Kg.

Experience

• Two years contact lens or process knowledge in QA and / or manufacturing.
• Experience in an Engineering subject would be desirable.
• Previous experience of measurement or metrology.

Education
Required

• GCSE standard or equivalent in applicable subjects (Maths, English, and a Science)

Desirable

• HND/HNC/A Level or Calibration CCT training in mechanical or electronic systems.
• Knowledge of basic statistical methods, tools and techniques would be advantageous

What we offer
You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more! We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential.

All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.