Mechanical Workshop Technician​/Senior Technician

Description

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, electromechanical and optical equipment.

The role also includes setting up and running training classes for undergraduate and postgraduate students and a range of other duties within the workshop.

Applicants should have 3‑5 years of post‑apprentice experience in a workshop environment, an excellent attention to detail and experience with a broad range of materials and manufacturing processes. Strong communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to interact positively with a broad range of people are essential.

The successful candidate will report to the workshop supervisor and will have previous experience in a busy engineering research, teaching or commercial environment, with a proven track record of problem solving. The main responsibilities are to provide high‐quality technical support for research and teaching activities in the School of EPS and to work as part of the Mechanical Workshop team.

• Operate machinery including CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, CNC laser cutters.
• 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.
• Provide support in machining techniques and processes to undergraduate students during labs, answering any questions they have.
• Assist in training sessions allowing students to use workshop machinery safely and correctly (lathes, milling machines, drill presses).
• Provide technical support to staff and students on equipment design, offering ideas and solutions where possible.
• Identify and rectify problems with experimental equipment and/or rigs.
• Work from provided drawings and CAD files to manufacture equipment for research and teaching projects.
• Maintain and service equipment in the workshop, and inform the workshop supervisor of stock levels.
• Engage in continuous learning and development, acquiring new skills.
• Keep work areas tidy and in good order.
• Work with due care and diligence according to Health and Safety, quality and other standards (including COSHH and risk assessments).
• Work closely with other technical staff and share specialist knowledge when relevant.
• Record working time on job sheets and complete administrative duties for effective workshop running.
• Participate in the school PDR process and undertake training as necessary.
• Perform any other tasks commensurate with the grading of the post.

• Educated to SCQF Level 7‑8, HNC/HND or equivalent in mechanical engineering.
• Completion of a recognised mechanical workshop apprenticeship plus ideally 3‑5 years’ post‑qualification work experience.
• Substantial experience of working with CNC machines.
• Knowledge of CAD drawing facilities and mechanical design skills, including CNC programming.
• Experience of a broad spectrum of machine tool use including lathes, milling machines and drilling machines.
• Experience of problem solving.
• Good understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures and experience of risk assessment.
• Ability to work effectively as an individual and as part of a team with good communication and organisational skills.
• Some manual handling will be involved requiring fitness and physical effort.
• Additional duties may be required, subject to amendment as the role evolves.

• Experience of teaching and managing a class of students, including strong interpersonal and pedagogic skills.
• Experience of laser cutting, 3D printing, small hand tools, etc.
• Experience of risk assessment, COSHH, safe systems of work and laser safety.
• Aptitude for IT.

Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to creating an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are central to our culture, and we welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns, including part‑time work and job‑share options.