Your future in technology starts here
The Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster connects education, innovation, and opportunity to help people build rewarding careers in South Devon’s growing technology sector. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to take the next step in your professional development, the Cluster helps you access real opportunities across photonics, electronics, and advanced engineering
Pathways to Opportunity
The THTC supports a joined-up approach to skills and employment.
Through collaboration with educators, employers, and local partners, we make it easier for people to move from training into high-value technical careers.
We focus on creating:
- Apprenticeships and technical training delivered in partnership with South Devon College.
- Graduate pathways into engineering, photonics, and manufacturing.
- Professional development opportunities through Cluster member companies and innovation projects.
Whether it is through a qualification or hands-on experience, the Cluster helps people find their route into the technology workforce.
Education and Skills Partners
Collaboration with education partners ensures that training and qualifications reflect real business needs.
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South Devon College, providing photonics and electronics courses linked to live industry projects.
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Devon & Somerset LSIP, aligning local training with employer demand.
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Department for Education, supporting national STEM and career initiatives that promote inclusive growth.
Working with Industry
The Cluster connects learners, job seekers, and professionals with employers leading innovation across South Devon and beyond.
Our members include EPIC, Gooch & Housego, QLM Technology, Coherent, Bay Photonics, and Prior Scientific. Each contributes to creating opportunities for people to learn, work, and grow within the region’s high-value technology community.
Many of these companies offer internships, placements, and graduate schemes, helping to retain local talent while attracting skilled professionals from across the United Kingdom.
Open Opportunities
Our member companies and partners are creating new roles in engineering, software, and advanced manufacturing.
Explore the opportunities available across South Devon’s high-tech community and discover where your skills could make an impact.
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Lecturer – Marine
South Devon College | Paignton
We are seeking a qualified and enthusiastic engineering professional with a degree in
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Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related subject, and relevant RYA qualification(s).
You will bring industry experience, strong subject knowledge, excellent communication and
organisational skills, and a passion for student-centred learning. The successful candidate
will be a creative and adaptable team player with a proactive, problem-solving approach,
able to motivate learners and contribute to curriculum development. A teaching qualification
is desirable; however, candidates who do not currently hold one must be willing to achieve it
within three years. Above all, you will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the
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Maintenance Technician
G&H | Torquay
Responsible for the site’s manufacturing maintenance function, supporting our production lines through the implementation of best practices. This includes following all required procedures to ensure equipment is properly maintained for safe and efficient manufacturing operations.
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Production Operator
G&H | Torquay
At G&H Torquay, we’re one of a number of global technology leaders that form the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, bringing a concentration of expertise and innovation in photonics and microelectronics to the South Devon region.
Working within a factory environment. You will be manufacturing precision photonics components for the telecommunication, defence and life science sectors.
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Signal Integrity Engineer
Oriole | Paignton
We are seeking a PhD-level RF / High-Speed Electronics Engineer with a strong foundation in applied mathematics, electromagnetic theory, and measurement science.
You will work at the intersection of RF engineering, signal integrity, and electro-optics, developing high-frequency systems that interface closely with advanced photonic components operating at multi-tens of GHz and beyond.
This role is ideal for candidates who think from first principles, are rigorous in experimentation, and are motivated to bridge theory, simulation, and real-world measurements.
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Senior Principal Firmware Engineer
Oriole | Paignton
We are seeking an experienced Firmware Engineer to join our hardware development team. You will be responsible for designing, implementing and testing embedded firmware for custom networking hardware. This role involves close collaboration with hardware engineers, software developers and QA teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal system performance.
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Optical Systems Engineer
G&H | Torquay
We are looking for an optical systems design engineer with a diverse skill set to join our Optics and Fibre Optic R&D team in the fibre optic manufacturing centre based in Torquay.
You will be working as part of the development team, bringing a range of products from initial concept and prototyping, through to early-stage production. A range of fibre optic sub-systems are in development, including high power fibre optic amplifier sub-systems for free space optical communications, A&D and remote sensing applications.
The job will involve a range of tasks related to the design, prototype assembly and test of fibre-optic and photonics based components and sub-systems, typically covering TRL3 to TRL7.
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Live Stream Presenter
Superb | Paignton
Superb Media is the UK’s leading TikTok Shop agency and a multi-award-winning partner in Social Commerce. We are recognised as TikTok Shop Partner of the Year, reflecting our leadership in live shopping, affiliate growth and commercial performance on the platform.
Now we’re looking for new presenters to join our Paignton studios and become the face of major brands across fashion, beauty, home, lifestyle, sports nutrition, health & wellbeing, food & beverage, and tech.
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NPI Technician
G&H | Torquay
As part of Product Engineering, you will support the New Product Introduction (NPI) team and have responsibility for meeting business performance commitments to key stakeholders. You will influence decision making around product development and be accountable for product and process design.
Following our development strategy, you will contribute towards expanding our current product offering to meet business growth objectives. In working closely with Operations, Development and Product Engineering you will enhance and develop key technical and communication skills to support all areas of G&H Torquay.
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Senior Optical Systems Engineer
G&H | Torquay
You’ll play a central role in developing advanced fibre-optic sub-systems—from early concept and prototyping through to early-stage production. Current programmes include high-power fibre-optic amplifier sub-systems for free-space optical communications, aerospace & defence, and remote sensing.
Working typically across TRL3 to TRL7, you’ll lead technical development, guide a small team, and stay hands-on with design, prototype build, testing and customer engagement. This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, complexity and genuine innovation.
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Principal Process Development Engineer
Plessey | Plymouth
Join a fast-growing Process Development team pushing the boundaries of innovation in MicroLED and Optical Computing. Around 60% of your time will be spent in a state-of-the-art cleanroom advancing process development, and the other 40% on planning, analysing data, and presenting insights to management.
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Project Manager
Plessey | Plymouth
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, technology-driven organisation as a Project Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge technology development and New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes. Leading cross-functional teams, you will be responsible for driving projects from concept through to successful delivery. Working closely with technical experts and key stakeholders, you will ensure projects are executed efficiently, on time, and in line with the company’s strategic objectives.
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Life and Work in Torbay
Technology careers by the coast.
Torbay offers a unique balance of innovation and quality of life. Surrounded by sea, countryside, and community, the region provides the perfect backdrop for people who want to work in technology while staying connected to nature and wellbeing.
When you join the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, you become part of a community that values collaboration, creativity, and sustainable growth.
Get Involved
Explore the opportunities available within the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster network.
Whether you are a student looking for a placement or a professional seeking a new challenge, we are here to help you find your path.