Engineer; Workshop

We have an exciting opportunity for a Higher Engineer (Workshop) to join our Engineering Manufacture Group. NPL are the UK’s National Metrology Institute, providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life.

NPL has a substantial in-house manufacturing workshop which is equipped with current state of the art machinery and production processes. NPL runs its own mechanical design group which is responsible for the design and specification of special purpose research machinery and other precision metrology equipment that is used by the NPL science teams and also other third party institutions. The components and machinery built at NPL are generally high precision and in low volume, often resulting in a single unit produced, this drives a strong right-first-time philosophy.

The Engineering team creates many state of the art facilities used to deliver cutting edge science and precision measurements that underpin science, health, environment, industry, and commerce. We are looking for self-motivated individuals, who can work as part of the team delivering engineering solutions to our customers through the application of good engineering practice and standards.

As the Higher Engineer, you will join our mechanical manufacture team.

What you will be doing

• Leading the manufacture, assembly and commissioning of complex engineering systems and equipment.
• Providing technical leadership on challenging manufacturing and engineering activities.
• Manufacturing precision components using CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Programming, setting and operating machining equipment to produce parts to specification.
• Advising engineers and designers on manufacturability, assembly methods and practical engineering solutions.
• Supporting project planning, estimating and scheduling activities.
• Acting as a key technical interface between workshop staff, design engineers and project stakeholders.
• Leading troubleshooting, fault finding and problem-solving activities.
• Identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, equipment and workshop capability.
• Supporting the introduction of new technologies, tools and methods.
• Ensuring high standards of quality, safety and engineering best practice are maintained.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues, apprentices and junior engineers.
• Supporting resource planning and prioritisation of workshop activities.
• Taking ownership of technically complex or high-profile deliverables.
• Contributing to the long-term development of workshop capability and expertise.