Durham University
Assistant Technician (Mechanical Engineering)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
The University
At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things, and we invite you to join our fantastic team.
Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity, and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here
The Role and Department
The Faculty of Science is one of the four faculties at Durham University, based across 8 academic departments, 7 research institutes, and 28 research centres, and supports the Natural Sciences Department, the home of multidisciplinary science education at DU.
The post holder will provide comprehensive technical and engineering support to the eight departments within the Faculty of Science and the wider University, working from within the Mechanical Engineering Services workshops. The role will involve contributing to the effective delivery of teaching and research activities by supporting the day-to-day operation of technical functions across the faculty.
Working as part of a large, collaborative technical team operating across two workshop locations in the Physics and Engineering departments, the post holder will deliver high quality mechanical technical support to a wide range of academic staff, researchers, and students. Key responsibilities will include the design, construction, and machining of bespoke equipment and components using a variety of machines such as millers and lathes and other technologies to support research and teaching projects.
The post holder will make extensive use of computer aided design software and associated technologies, including the programming and operation of CNC machinery, to manufacture precision components in accordance with project requirements. The role requires a proactive and flexible approach, contributing to the continuous improvement of workshop services and ensuring that technical support is delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high professional standard in line with university policies and procedures.
Whilst undertaking the role, the postholder will undertake a fully funded Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship via an external training provider in an engineering discipline relevant to the role.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
- You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days.
- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
- You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
- Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
- We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
- Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
- If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
- We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply
To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:
Qualifications/Experience
- Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
- Must hold a recognised Level 3 qualification in mechanical engineering having successfully completed a relevant T-Level course or served a recognised mechanical engineering apprenticeship.
- Must be eligible to enrol for a role relevant mechanical engineering degree apprenticeship to be delivered by an external provider on behalf of the University.
- Experience of working in a technical environment setting up resources, tools and equipment with experience of a variety of precision mechanical engineering machines.
- Experience of working in a team.
- Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
- Good spoken and written communication skills.
- Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems etc.
- Committed to training/continuing professional development.
- Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
- Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.
- An understanding of the need to work within Health & Safety guidelines and policies, and an understanding of the essentials of good workshop practices.
Desirable Criteria
Experience working within a higher education environment, with a strong understanding of the operational and technical requirements of teaching, research, and academic facilities, ensuring that mechanical engineering systems effectively support and meet the needs of these activities.
How to Apply
We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.
We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Who to contact for more information
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, the following staff would be happy to be contacted for advice.
- Mr Neil Holmes, Technical Manager, Mechanical Faculty Workshop West, r.n.holmes@durham.ac.uk
- Mr Paul Jarvis, Technical Manager, Mechanical Faculty Workshop East, paul.jarvis2@durham.ac.uk
Typical Role Requirements
Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
Service Delivery
- Provide an excellent and timely service to all stakeholders.
- Gather and collate data and information for others to use for evaluation and decision making.
- Apply skills and techniques to operate and use a range of everyday task or job specific equipment, tools and resources.
- Follow established procedures when carrying out your role, varying when necessary or referring to more senior colleagues.
- Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.
- When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards while ensuring that at all times health and safety procedures and practices within workshops are followed.
- Provide help and guidance to staff and students relating to various mechanical processes or techniques for experimental purposes.
Teamwork/Liaison
- Help to move, set-up and maintain any facilities, equipment or tools.
- Help team members with the setting up and operation of a range of standard tools and equipment.
- Assist team members to design/manufacture components and equipment for use in teaching and research using a range of hand tools, machine tools, materials and techniques, under the supervision of more experienced staff.
- Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service, e.g., manual handling / lifting tasks, teaching of mechanical design and workshop procedures.
- Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.
- Liaise with representatives from other teams and service areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
- Help team members carry out and record annual maintenance checks and update risk assessments.
- Maintain, repair, test and adjust workshop equipment, including Portable Appliance Testing of all workshop’s electrical appliances, under the guidance of more experienced staff.
- Help carry out stock and inventory checks.
Communication/Personal
- Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
- Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
- Respond to routine queries from external suppliers, contractors, contacts, professional bodies where necessary.
- Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.
Version 07-2026
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location