Engineering Workshop Technician

Salary - £33,284 - £35,322 Permanent We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Workshop Technician to join our highly collaborative, research-focused engineering team based at our Head Office in Wallingford. As part of the wider Water and Climate Science team, you will play a key role in developing,maintaining and supporting the facilities and equipment that underpin our science.

As a technical specialist, you will become part of a small, hands-on workshop team, developing leading-edge sensor systems, environmental monitoring networks, surveyequipmentand bespoke experimental apparatus to support a wide range of research objectives. Working across the full engineering lifecycle, you will interpret technical drawings, produce precision-machined components, and build fully tested electro-mechanical assemblies. Using conventional and CNC machining, welding, and fabrication techniques, you will translate complex designs into robust, field-ready solutions.

You will work flexibly across disciplines, contributing to electro-mechanical construction, wiring, installation, servicing, and maintenance of equipment. This will include supporting deployments to remote field sites, where reliability, adaptability and problem-solving are essential. Through this work, you will contribute to nationally significant initiatives such as: UKCEH AMI,COSMOS-UK , DELTA,Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) andAg Zero  
-helping us to deliver the data, insight and innovation needed to protect communities, informpolicyand safeguard the environment. Your main responsibilities will include:
Working closely with scientists and researchers to design and build research-grade instruments and bespoke experimental systems Producing machined parts and fully tested electro-mechanical assemblies from technical drawings Operating conventional manual and CNClathes, milling machines, ,welding equipment and other workshop machinery Working flexibly across engineering disciplines, including electro-mechanical construction, wiring, installation,servicing and maintenance of equipment, both in the workshop and at remote field sites Supporting procurement activities andmaintainingaccurateworkshop records and documentation

This role offers exceptional variety and hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. From workshop-based fabrication and prototyping to field support and technical problem-solving, your work will directly enable high-quality environmental research. You will join a supportive and passionate team where your practical skills, attention to detail and proactive approach will be valued, and where you can make a meaningful contribution to delivering safe,efficient and effective operations.

We are looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, applying sound judgement and knowing when to seek guidance. You will bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, using initiative and creativity to resolve technical challenges andidentifyimprovements. Well organised and adaptable, you will manage your time effectively while continuing to build your skills across a diverse range of activities. You will be a clear communicator who can build strong relationships with colleagues and contribute positively to team culture, while also supporting the wider impact and visibility of UKCEHs work.

For the role of Engineering Workshop Technician,were looking for someone who:
Holds a relevant technical qualification (BTEC Level 37) or brings equivalent experience Has a strong understanding of materials, mechanical engineering principles, and engineering tolerances,limitsand fits, with the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical workshop environment Brings hands-on experience working in a machine shop, ideally supported by a modern or time-served apprenticeship Is excited by the integration of mechanics and electronics, with an interest in mechatronics and emerging engineering technologies Has experience building and fault-finding electro-mechanical assemblies, such as sensor wiring and circuit diagnostics Takes pride in precision and continuous improvement, with a solutions-focused mindset Works collaboratively, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive, hands-on engineering culture Is adaptable and comfortable working on a range of projects, using initiative to solve problems Is well organised,proactive and able to manage time effectively across varied tasks Demonstrates a solid understanding of workshop health and safety practices Holds a full UK manual driving licence, and iscomfortableto work outdoors and travel to field sites across the UK, including occasional overnight stays, Is comfortable moving and handling heavy or awkward equipment between vehicles and sites (reasonable adjustments available where needed) Desirable…