Mechanical Workshop Technician

Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry.

The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences has an international research reputation and close connection with the professional and industrial world of science, engineering and technology. 

Job Summary

To provide technical support for research and teaching activities in the school of EPS working as part of the Mechanical Workshop team as well as applying a range of mechanical engineering, skills, and experience to support world leading research projects, student teaching activities and commercial contracts as required, and contribute to School strategic objectives.This job will involve providing support services at all the school buildings on the Edinburgh campus as required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Operate machinery including standard manual mills, lathes, drill press, grinders, welding equipment, hydraulic presses, and tooling to manufacture components for teaching and research projects with minimum supervision and guidance.
• Provide support in machining techniques and processes to undergraduate students during labs, also answering any questions they have regarding any of the processes.
• Maintain and service equipment within the workshop.
• Provide technical support to staff and students on the design of equipment, offering ideas and solutions where possible.
• To identify and rectify any problems with experimental equipment and/or rigs.
• Working from the drawings and CAD files provided by members of the research groups to undertake the manufacture of equipment for use in research and teaching projects. 
• To engage in a process of continuous learning and development, acquiring new skills.
• To always keep work areas tidy and in good order.
• To always work with due care and diligence according to the requirements of Health and Safety, quality and other standards and directions relevant to the assigned task. To instruct on the safe use of equipment and to complete COSHH and risk assessments as required and adhere to these throughout working practice.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to SCQF Level 7-8 (HNC/HND) or equivalent in mechanical engineering.
• Completion of a recognised mechanical workshop apprenticeship plus ideally 2-3 years’ post-qualification work experience.
• Experience of a broad spectrum of machine tool use including lathes, milling machines and drilling machines.
• Experience of general workshop appliances equipment e.g., sheet metal fabrication. 
• Accomplished in using relevant inspection and measuring equipment.
• Able to work from drawings/sketches and verbal instructions and interpret the requirements of customers with limited competence in the relevant field.
• Knowledge of CAD drawing facilities and mechanical design skills.
• Good technical fault finding and problem-solving skills.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm  and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/