Heriot-Watt University
Mechanical Workshop Technician/Senior Technician
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Mechanical Workshop Technician/Senior Technician
Mechanical Workshop Technician / Senior Technician
Role: Mechanical Workshop Technician (Grade 5) or Senior Technician (Grade 6)
Directorate
The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Salary & Contract
- Grade 5: £26,707 – £31,236 per annum
- Grade 6: £31,236 – £36,636 per annum
- Contract Type: Full-time (1FTE), open-ended
Rewards & Benefits
- Annual leave:
- Grade 5: 28 days
- Grade 6: 33 days
- Additional: 9 building closed days for all full-time staff
About the Team
A mechanical workshop technician is needed to support teaching and research as part of a team of 12 technical staff. The workshop includes:
- Conventional workshop equipment (lathes, mills)
- CNC machinery (milling machines, lathes, laser cutters)
- 3D printers
- Electro-mechanical & optical equipment
Key responsibilities:
- Aid in designing, constructing, adapting, repairing, and maintaining precision mechanical devices
- Assist with undergraduate/postgraduate training sessions
- Technical support for research and teaching projects
Role Requirements
- 3–5 years’ post-apprenticeship workshop experience (not mandatory in teaching/research)
- Excellent attention to detail, working with diverse materials and manufacturing processes
- Strong communication & interpersonal skills to interact with all staff/students
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Key Duties & Responsibilities
Technical Operations
- Operate CNC lathes, mills, laser cutters (GR6 Essential)
- Run standard mills, lathes, grinders, welders, presses, drills, 3D printers (GR5 & 6)
- Manufacture components for teaching and research projects (GR6 Essential)
- Troubleshoot experimental equipment and mitigate issues
Training & Support
- Guide undergraduate students on workshop machinery (e.g., lathes, milling machines, drill presses)
- Lead safety training sessions for safe and correct equipment use
- Provide technical design & fabrication advice (GR6 Essential)
Maintenance & Compliance
- Maintain workshop equipment and report stock needs to supervisors
- Uphold health and safety standards (including COSHH & risk assessments)
- Ensure cleanliness, organisation, and administrative duties (e.g., job sheets)
Development & Collaboration
- Engage in continuous learning & skill development
- Collaborate with technical staff to share expertise
- Comply with personal development reviews (PDR) and training requirements
Education, Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Education: SCQF Level 7–8 (HNC/HND or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical workshop apprenticeship + 3–5 years’ post-qualification experience
- CNC machine experience (Grade 6 Essential; Grade 5 with training)
- CAD familiarity & CNC programming knowledge (Grade 6 Essential; Grade 5 with training)
- Skills in lathes, mills, drills and problem-solving
- Health & Safety expertise (risk assessments, manual handling)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
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Desirable
- Teaching/mentoring experience (interpersonal skills, pedagogic feedback)
- Additional skills: laser cutting, 3D printing, small tools
- Knowledge of COSHH, Safe Systems of Work, Lasers
- Business & IT aptitude
How to Apply
Applicants must submit via Heriot-Watt’s online recruitment system, including:
- A cover letter outlining interest and suitability
- A full CV
Closing Dates & Interviews
- Applications due: Midnight 23rd July 2026
- Shortlisting completed: 31st July 2026
- Interviews: Commencing 03rd August 2026
About Heriot-Watt University
- International acclaim for teaching, research, and industry impact
- Global campuses (UK: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders & Orkney; Dubai; Malaysia)
- Community of 27,000+ international students
- Commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusivity (https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm)
Note: Applications open to individuals from underrepresented groups. Flexible working encouraged.
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