Engineer (Workshop)

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom is seeking an Engineer (Workshop) to join the Engineering Manufacture Group. This role emphasizes precision component manufacture using CNC and conventional tools, reading drawings, and supporting quality, safety and continuous improvement.

You will work in a dedicated in-house workshop, contribute to low‑volume production, assist with assembly, testing and commissioning, and mentor apprentices while maintaining high standards of

Qualifications

• Solid background in mechanical engineering or precision manufacturing.
• Experience using CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Experience manufacturing bespoke or low-volume engineered components.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Understanding of inspection and measurement techniques.
• Strong practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively within a team.
• Good communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing precision components using CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Programming, setting and operating CNC machining equipment to produce parts to specification.
• Interpreting engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation.
• Supporting assembly, integration, testing and commissioning of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Inspecting and verifying components using appropriate measurement and inspection techniques.
• Identifying manufacturing challenges and working with engineers and designers to develop practical solutions.
• Maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Supporting project delivery by completing work safely, on schedule and within agreed budgets.
• Recording manufacturing, inspection and maintenance activities as required.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of workshop processes, equipment and ways of working.
• Supporting apprentices and less experienced colleagues through knowledge sharing and day‑to‑day guidance.
• Following all Health, Safety and Quality requirements.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

CNC machining

Low-volume manufacturing

Engineering drawings CAD

Inspection techniques

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Quality & safety

Education

Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/degree)

Tools

Mazatrol

Siemens

Heidenhain

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

FeatureCAM

Job description

Engineer (Workshop)

We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineer (Workshop) to join our Engineering Manufacture Group. NPL are the UK’s National Metrology Institute, providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineer (Workshop) to join our Engineering Manufacture Group. NPL are the UK’s National Metrology Institute, providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life.

NPL has a substantial in‑house manufacturing workshop which is equipped with current state of the art machinery and production processes. NPL runs its own mechanical design group which is responsible for the design and specification of special purpose research machinery and other precision metrology equipment that is used by the NPL science teams and also other third party institutions. The components and machinery built at NPL are generally high precision and in low volume, often resulting in a single unit produced, this drives a strong right‑first‑time philosophy.

The Engineering team creates many state of the art facilities used to deliver cutting edge science and precision measurements that underpin science, health, environment, industry, and commerce. We are looking for self‑motivated individuals, who can work as part of the team delivering engineering solutions to our customers through the application of good engineering practice and standards.

As the Workshop Technician, you will join our mechanical manufacture team.

What You Will Be Doing

• Manufacturing precision components using CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Programming, setting and operating CNC machining equipment to produce parts to specification.
• Interpreting engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation.
• Supporting assembly, integration, testing and commissioning of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Inspecting and verifying components using appropriate measurement and inspection techniques.
• Identifying manufacturing challenges and working with engineers and designers to develop practical solutions.
• Maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Supporting project delivery by completing work safely, on schedule and within agreed budgets.
• Recording manufacturing, inspection and maintenance activities as required.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of workshop processes, equipment and ways of working.
• Supporting apprentices and less experienced colleagues through knowledge sharing and day‑to‑day guidance.
• Following all Health, Safety and Quality requirements.

About You

What you can bring to the role:

• A solid background in mechanical engineering or precision manufacturing.
• Experience using CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Experience manufacturing bespoke or low‑volume engineered components.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD models.
• An understanding of inspection and measurement techniques.
• Strong practical problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively within a team.
• Good communication skills and a customer‑focused approach.
• A commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Preferable experience in CNC Milling, Turning and/or Manual Grinding.
• Knowledge of NC controls, preferred; Mazatrol, Siemens and Heidenhain
• Knowledge of modern CNC, CAM and CAD systems, including SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or FeatureCAM.
• Understanding of engineering drawings.
• HNC, HND, degree or equivalent engineering qualification.
• Experience working within a quality‑managed engineering environment.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work‑life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.

If you would like to discuss, please contact us.