AOI Technician

Job Title: AOI Technician
Salary: £29,000-34,000 (DOE)
Location: Bedford
Role Summary
We’re looking for a skilled AOI Technician who will play an important part in maintaining high product quality through advanced inspection technology. The role focuses on operating and optimising 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems, ensuring inspections are accurate, repeatable, and compliant with both internal processes and industry standards.
At the outset, you’ll work closely with the Process Engineering team to refine AOI programs and streamline inspection activities. As you progress, you’ll take the lead on driving improvements, ensuring inspection capability develops alongside new production requirements and software enhancements.
This position is ideal for someone with a strong quality mindset, a passion for technology, and the drive to enhance automated inspection practices in a manufacturing environment.
Main Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and maintain 3D AOI inspection programs (CyberOptics, Koh Young, Mirtec, Omron, or similar) with a focus on detecting solder joint quality and verifying component placement.
• Conduct First Article Inspections (FAI) to ensure PCB assemblies meet documentation and quality standards.
• Train and support AOI operators, ensuring consistent use of inspection equipment and adherence to inspection criteria.
• Review inspection outputs, identify patterns, and collaborate with Production and Engineering teams to suggest and implement process improvements.
• Update AOI programs to support engineering changes, new product introductions (NPI), and system/software upgrades.
• Ensure all inspection work aligns with company standards and IPC-A-610 requirements.
• Take part in ongoing quality, yield, and process-improvement initiatives.

Ideal Background & Skills

• Proven experience with AOI platforms such as CyberOptics, Koh Young, Mirtec, Omron, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of SMT processes and PCB assembly.
• Ability to interpret assembly documentation and placement data.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on precision and accuracy.
• Competent with AOI/inspection software and general IT tools.
• Good communicator with strong teamwork skills.
• Able to work independently, following procedures with minimal supervision.