Mechanical Workshop Technician​/Senior Technician

Role: Mechanical Workshop Technician/Senior Technician

Directorate: The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Salary: Grade 5 - £26,707 - £31,236 or Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 per annum (depending on experience)

Contract Type: Full Time (1

FTE), Open Ended

Rewards and Benefits: 28 (G5) or 33 (G6) days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff

A mechanical workshop technician is required to provide support for teaching and research as part of a large team of 12 technical staff. The mechanical workshop has a range of machinery including conventional workshop equipment (lathes, mills etc.) CNC machines, 3D printers and other tooling. The role holder is required to aid design, construct, adapt, repair, and maintain precision mechanical devices, electro‑mechanical and optical equipment.

You will also assist with the setting up and running of training classes for undergraduate and postgraduate students and have a range of other duties within the Workshop.

You will have 3‑5 years post‑apprentice experience in a workshop environment – not necessarily in a teaching or research context – have a good attention to detail and experience with a broad range of materials and manufacturing processes. You should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact positively with a broad range of people.

Reporting to the workshop supervisor the successful candidate should have previous experience gained in a busy engineering research, teaching or commercial environment and possess a proven track record of problem solving.

The role holder’s main responsibilities will be to provide high quality technical support for research and teaching activities in the school of EPS working as part of the Mechanical Workshop team.

Fulfilment of duties will require the role holder to possess time‑served knowledge of various standard machining techniques and processes. CNC manufacturing techniques along with a proven track record of problem solving and decision making. Further experience in the production / fabrication of rigs and process equipment would also be an advantage.

The post includes the day‑to‑day responsibility for all aspects related to health and safety of staff and students within the workshop areas.

The appointment will be made at G5 or G6 depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

For further enquiries please contact John Mason (Senior Technical Services Manager), Heriot‑Watt University: email  or telephone .

• Operate machinery including CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, CNC laser cutters (GR6 Essential).
• Operate standard mills, lathes, grinders, welding equipment, hydraulic presses, drills, 3D printers, and tooling to manufacture components to a high standard for teaching and research projects with minimum supervision (GR5 and GR6).
• Provide support in machining techniques and processes to undergraduate students during labs, also answering any questions they have about any of the processes.
• Assist in training sessions which will allow students to use the workshop machinery/equipment safely and correctly. This will include lathes, milling machines and drill presses.
• Provide technical support to staff and students on the design of equipment, offering ideas and solutions where possible (GR6 Essential).
• Identify and rectify any problems with experimental equipment and/or rigs.
• Work from the drawings and CAD files provided by members of the research groups to undertake the manufacture of equipment for use in research and teaching projects (GR6 Essential).
• Maintain and service equipment in the workshop, inform workshop supervisor of stock levels.
• Engage in a process of continuous learning and development, acquiring new skills.
• Always keep work areas tidy and in good order.
• Always work with due care and diligence according to the requirements of Health and Safety, quality and other standards and directions relevant to the assigned task. Instruct on the safe use of equipment and complete COSHH and risk assessments as required and adhere to these throughout working practice.
• Work…