Engineering Technician; Cragside

Summary

Are you passionate about engineering history and preserving the technology that powered Cragside? We are offering a rare opportunity to work with some of Cragside's original technological infrastructure, from the hydro‑powered kitchen spit to the original dynamos at the Power House. We are seeking a skilled Engineering Technician to join our Collections and House team h support from curators and conservation professionals, you will play a key role in the care, maintenance and conservation of the estate's historic technology collections, helping to ensure that these remarkable engineering achievements are preserved for future generations.

Alongside this, you will support the wider team in caring for the property and sharing the story of Cragside's pioneering engineering heritage with visitors.

Cragside is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North East, welcoming around 250,000 visitors each year. Set within a stunning landscape in rural Northumberland, yet only 30 miles from Newcastle, it offers the opportunity to enjoy both an exceptional quality of life and a unique working environment.

As the former home of Victorian engineer and inventor William Armstrong, Cragside is renowned for its pioneering technology and engineering heritage. From historic hydraulic systems and dynamos to original estate infrastructure, you will be working with an extraordinary collection that tells the story of innovation and ingenuity.

You will join a high‑performing team with expertise across house, collections, gardens, countryside and visitor operations. Everyone works closely together to care for Cragside and ensure that visitors continue to enjoy this special place for generations to come.

Reporting to the Collections & House Manager, you will work closely with colleagues across the property and with specialist regional advisers. You will thrive in a collaborative environment, drawing on a wide range of expertise to help shape the future care, conservation and interpretation of Cragside's historic technology collection and the buildings in which it is housed.

You will bring practical engineering skills, knowledge and experience gained through maintaining machinery, together with a willingness to develop your understanding of historic technology and conservation techniques.

This varied role combines hands‑on, conservation‑led maintenance, research and visitor engagement. You will play a key role in caring for nationally significant heritage technology, ensuring that it can continue to be experienced by future generations.

You will be just as comfortable carrying out practical maintenance as you are explaining a piece of machinery to visitors. Whether carrying out inspections, planning preventative maintenance, researching the history of an object, or bringing the collection to life through talks and demonstrations, no two days are likely to be the same.

You will also lead and support volunteers involved in maintenance and conservation activities, helping to build skills and confidence within the team.

Working safely will be at the heart of everything you do. You will ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and promote safe working practices for staff, volunteers and contractors.

Please note that most of the items under the care of the post holder are located in basements or outbuildings and some of these areas are difficult to access.

As a member of the House & Collections team, you will occasionally provide operational support within the house and contribute to the wider operation of the property, including occasionally acting as Duty Manager.

• Have experience maintaining machinery in an engineering, manufacturing, industrial or workshop environment, including the use of power tools and workshop machinery.
• An awareness and interest in conservation and enthusiasm for learning appropriate…