Senior Workshop Technician

Newcastle University's Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering is home to a diverse and talented technical community supporting world-class teaching and research. Within the School of Engineering, our technical teams play a vital role in enabling innovation and delivering high-quality support across a range of disciplines. We are committed to the development and wellbeing of our staff and fostering an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and highly motivated individual to join a team of technical colleagues supporting and delivering successful teaching and research activities with a focus on mechanical manufacturing and prototyping.

You will take a lead role in the manufacture, fitting, and assembly of components, working closely with students, academic staff, and external suppliers to deliver bespoke solutions that meet project specifications. The role involves operating CNC machinery, as well as manual lathes and milling machines, to produce high-quality parts for experimental setups and prototype development.

In addition, you will be responsible for the design and manufacturing of jigs, fixtures, and custom test pieces, contributing to the development of innovative research and teaching tools. This is a varied and hands-on role that offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

You will need to demonstrate:
- Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
- Substantial experience in mechanical manufacturing and a good understanding of engineering drawings
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines and quality standards

Key Accountabilities:
- Specify, design, develop, and construct specialised mechanical components and equipment to support teaching and research activities within the school, providing advice on optimal use of modern technologies.
- Prepare own mechanical drawings and specifications, either manually or using CAD software. Design and manufacture components and equipment to support work, while accurately recording and organising test data in digital formats for both educational and research purposes.
- Train staff and research students in appropriate workshop techniques, promoting good practice to ensure all activities are conducted safely and effectively. Provide hands-on supervision and guidance to postgraduate and undergraduate project students, as well as junior technical staff, supporting their use of workshop facilities and ensuring adherence to safe working procedures at all times.
- In conjunction with academic, research, technical staff and students, identify consumable and equipment requirements and initiate their ordering according to school and university purchasing procedures. Keep financial records of any activities as directed by the Manufacturing Team Leader.
- Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures including relevant risk assessments. In conjunction with the Manufacturing Team Leader and School Safety Officer, monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements. Contribute to regular team meetings, health and safety processes and audits.
- In conjunction with the Manufacturing Team Leader, be responsible for the day-to-day operation of specific workshop facilities and items of equipment and instrumentation. Undertake fault diagnosis, repair and preventative maintenance on equipment and instrumentation.
- Provide general guidance and support, and where appropriate, detailed instruction to staff and students regarding tests, experiments, and the fabrication of components and equipment. This may also involve demonstrating relevant techniques and procedures. Provide comprehensive support and advice to staff on technical development, design, preparation, construction, assembly and setting up of experiments.
- Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Substantial experience of working in a relevant technical role, with practical knowledge of CNC mills, lathes, and manual machining equipment. Knowledge of CAD/CAM.
- Up-to-date and thorough understanding of Health and Safety procedures in workshop environments, ensuring compliance and safe working practices, including experience of writing risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
- Works effectively as part of a team, contributing to shared objectives and supporting colleagues in a collaborative setting.
- Works in a structured, detail-oriented manner, prioritising tasks and resources to meet targets and maintain high service standards.
- Demonstrates technical and problem-solving ability and adaptability to changing research and teaching laboratory priorities.
- Experience of operating and maintaining a mechanical workshop, with involvement in safety procedures and resource management.
- Possesses sound theoretical and practical knowledge of workshop machines and equipment including the maintenance and repair of components and machinery used in precision engineering.

Desirable:
- Welding and Fabrication
- Mazatrol programming
- Intelligent D-CUBES programming

Essential Qualifications:
- Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (or Equivalent Level 4 Qualification) or equivalent relevant technical experience.

Desirable Qualifications:
- Full UK driver's license
- Forklift operator's license

Benefits include a generous holiday package with the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes, and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives. Newcastle University holds a Gold Athena Swan award, Race Equality Charter Bronze award, and is a Disability Confident employer.