Engineering Operative - Research & Development

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

Job summary

Our client, a green technology company, seeks either a Laboratory Technician or Senior Laboratory Technician on a permanent basis to join the team in Penryn, UK. The role supports research, testing, and development of R&D processes and equipment.

You will assist with construction, assembly, operation, and maintenance of processing equipment, calibrate sensors, and ensure health, safety and quality standards are followed. Strong practical engineering skills are valued.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Support research, testing, and development activities related to R&D processes, equipment and technologies.
• Assist with design, fabrication, assembly, operation, maintenance and evaluation of processing equipment and experimental systems.
• Work with engineers, metallurgists/chemists, and technicians to ensure projects are completed safely, accurately and efficiently.
• Assist in 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.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Engineering workshop experience

Maths

English language

Computer literacy

Hand tools

Power tools

Workshop machinery

Mechanical fitting

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Electrical systems

Engineering drawings

Safety protocols

Quality records

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Independent work

Detail orientation

Education

Science / Engineering qualifications

Tools

Welding certification

Forklift certification

Overhead crane certification

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 proto@types 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.