Engineering Operative - Research & Development

Cornwall Staff Agency Ltd; Penryn; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornwall Staff Agency Ltd represents a client that specialises in green technology. They are seeking either a Laboratory Technician or Senior Laboratory Technician (dependent on qualifications and experience) to join their team on a permanent basis.

This role offers a permanent, full-time position with a salary range of £30,000-£40,000 DOE and standard hours Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical aptitude, workshop experience and a solid background in

Qualifications

• Good mechanical aptitude and practical engineering skills.
• Experience of working in an engineering workshop, mining environment or industrial setting.
• Science or engineering qualifications; maths and English language proficiency; computer literacy.
• Competent with hand tools, power tools and workshop machinery.
• Experience with mechanical fitting and maintenance.
• Understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Familiar with workshop/lab safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and quality; ability to follow instructions.
• Good communication and teamwork; able to work independently.
• Familiarity with mineral processing or mining equipment advantageous.
• Desirable: welding/fabrication certification; forklift/overhead crane lifting certs.

Responsibilities

• Supports R&D research, testing and development activities.
• Assists with design, fabrication, assembly and operation of equipment.
• Works with engineers, metallurgists, chemists and technicians.
• Constructs, assembles, modifies and tests prototypes and experimental machinery.
• Prepares and operates lab and pilot-scale equipment for mineral processing research.
• Performs routine inspection, maintenance and repairs of R&D equipment.
• Installs and calibrates instrumentation, sensors and monitoring equipment.
• Performs mechanical fitting and assembly tasks.
• Ensures health, safety, environmental and quality standards.
• Maintains records of tests, maintenance and equipment performance.
• Analyses equipment failures and proposes improvements.
• Prepares materials/tools for field trials and lab testing.
• Participates in continuous improvement to enhance reliability.
• Keeps work environment clean, organised and safe.
• Supports field trials at external sites when required.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to meet project objectives.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Workshop experience

Mining environment experience

Maths

English

Computer literacy

Hand tools

Power tools

Workshop machinery

Mechanical fitting

Maintenance

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Electrical systems

Reading drawings

Safety protocols

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Autonomy

Mineral processing familiarity

Welding certification

Forklift certification

Overhead crane certification

Education

Science/engineering qualifications

Job description

Our client who specialises in green technology are seeking either aLaboratory Technician or Senior Laboratory Technician (dependent on qualifications and experience) to join their team on a permanent basis.

What we offer:

• £30,000-£40,000 DOE
• Monday - Friday - 9am-5pm
• Full time position
• Permanent position

The role:

• The Engineering Operative supports research, testing, and development activities related to our R&D processes, equipment, and technologies.
• The role involves assisting with the design, fabrication, assembly, operation, maintenance, and evaluation of processing equipment and experimental systems.
• Working closely with our engineers, metallurgists / chemists, and technicians, the Engineering Operative helps ensure that R&D projects are completed safely, accurately, and efficiently while contributing to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Assist in the construction, assembly, modification and testing of equipment, including prototypes and experimental machinery.
• Prepare and operate laboratory and pilot-scale equipment for mineral processing research and testing.
• Conduct routine inspections, maintenance and repairs of R&D equipment and facilities.
• Install and calibrate instrumentation, sensors, and monitoring equipment.
• Perform mechanical fitting and assembly tasks as required.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards during all R&D activities.
• Maintain accurate records of tests, maintenance activities, and equipment performance.
• Assist in analysing equipment failures and recommending improvements.
• Prepare materials, tools, and equipment for field trials and laboratory testing.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe work environment.
• Support field trials at external sites when required.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Good mechanical aptitude and practical engineering skills.
• Experience of working in an engineering workshop, mining environment or industrial setting.
• Ideally candidate will have science / engineering qualifications, plus good maths and English language, computer literacy.
• Competent in the use of hand tools, power tools, and workshop machinery.
• Experience with mechanical fitting and maintenance.
• Basic understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and assembly instructions.
• Basic knowledge of workshop / laboratory safety protocols.
• Strong attention to detail, commitment to quality and ability to follow instructions precisely.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with mineral processing or mining equipment is advantageous.
• Desirable but not essential: Welding or fabrication certification; forklift, overhead crane or lifting equipment certification.

CWPERM