Senior Mechanical Workshop Technician
Are you a highly skilled Senior Mechanical Workshop Technician with a passion for developing innovative solutions for research and teaching? Join our dynamic team in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, where you'll play a pivotal role in advancing engineering services to support cutting-edge academic and research projects. Position Overview: As a Senior Mechanical Workshop Technician, you will be responsible for constructing, modifying, and maintaining mechanical apparatus and equipment for our departmental teaching and research needs. You will collaborate closely with academic, research, and technical staff within and outside the department, providing expertise in mechanical design, materials selection, and machining techniques.
Key Responsibilities:
- Apparatus Construction & Modification: Fabricate and alter research and teaching apparatus from verbal instructions, sketches, and technical drawings using workshop equipment such as centre lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, and CNC machinery.
- Engineering Support: Deliver comprehensive engineering services, including drilling, turning, milling, and grinding for various materials. Advise staff on design and construction methods tailored to unique research requirements.
- Materials & Machining Expertise: Apply your knowledge of material properties to select appropriate materials and machining methods, including high-vacuum welding, brazing, soldering, and MIG/TIG welding.
- Maintenance & Repairs: Oversee the servicing and repair of workshop equipment, providing input on replacements or refurbishments when necessary. Ensure workshop resources meet the needs of our academic staff and students.
- Guidance & Training: Support and instruct other technicians, researchers, and staff in workshop practices, especially in the absence of the Chief Mechanical Workshop Technician. Maintain high standards of health and safety.
- Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: You will independently plan, organise, and deliver products tailored to individual research and teaching needs. In collaboration with the Chief Mechanical Workshop Technician and colleagues, you'll assess technical feasibility and resolve any material or machining challenges, balancing time, cost, and safety considerations.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- BTEC/HNC/City & Guilds in Mechanical & Production Engineering or equivalent
- Recognized apprenticeship or equivalent training in engineering
- Welding experience would be beneficial
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in an engineering environment
- Skilled in CNC setup, programming, and operation
- Strong communication and organisational abilities
- Basic computing skills
Why Join Us?
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-class research and teaching in a renowned academic institution. You will be at the forefront of technical support, collaborating with experts in the field and playing an integral role in advancing scientific exploration.
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We reserve the right to fill the position with a qualified candidate prior to the conclusion of the advertising period.
Please quote reference LJ45101 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.