Lead Engineering Workshop Technician

Key Responsibilities

• Workshop preparation: Resource, prepare and set up workshops, equipment and materials for practical classes and demonstrations, ensuring everything is ready, safe and fit for purpose.
• Practical demonstrations: Deliver skilled demonstrations across a range of workshop machinery and techniques, including lathes, mills, welding, fabrication and CNC machine tool operation.
• Technical support: Provide expert advice and hands-on support to teaching staff and students, assisting with the manufacturing and fabrication requirements of projects and classes.
• Workshop management: Support the management of the mechanical workshop including equipment maintenance, inventory, sourcing of materials and consumables, and liaison with suppliers and contractors.
• Health and safety: Ensure full compliance with health and safety requirements across workshop and clean lab areas, undertake risk assessments, maintain safety records and act as a trained first aider.
• Course development: Support academic staff in developing new workshop demonstrations and project activities, and contribute to the planning and development of new or updated courses.
• Records and administration: Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance and testing, support purchase order processes and undertake administrative duties as required.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A minimum of Level 3 in a relevant engineering subject, or equivalent vocational qualification (e.g. BTEC HNC, NVQ, Advanced City and Guilds)
• Proven experience in a mechanical engineering support or workshop role
• Excellent machining skills including use of lathes, mills, drills and saws
• Experience of welding and fabrication
• Ability to read, understand and produce technical drawings
• Experience using CAD/CAM software such as Fusion 360, AutoCAD or similar
• Good knowledge of modern engineering equipment, materials and manufacturing techniques
• Previous experience of delivering training or practical demonstrations
• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with staff and students at all levels
• Commitment to health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion

• Membership of a relevant professional body
• Relevant commercial or industry experience
• Experience in the use of CNC machines
• Experience of using SolidWorks or SolidCAM
• Experience of designing and producing mechanical assemblies

Benefits