Engineering Workshop Technician

University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous staff benefits package

Job summary

The University of Surrey is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineering Technician to join its Engineering Centre in Guildford. You’ll manufacture high-precision components, interpret drawings and CAD models, and support the development of specialist equipment.

The role offers hands-on work, problem-solving opportunities and a strong safety culture. You will work with a dedicated technical team on diverse projects across the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences, contributing to innovative

Qualifications

• Qualified in engineering with HNC/HND or equivalent.
• Experience operating CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Experience in workshop safety and continuous improvement.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and manage workload with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing precision components using conventional and CNC machine tools.
• Interpreting engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches and technical specifications.
• Constructing, modifying and repairing bespoke mechanical equipment and apparatus.
• Providing practical engineering advice and technical solutions.
• Supporting the design and development of specialist engineering equipment.
• Maintaining workshop machinery and ensuring equipment remains safe, reliable and operational.
• Promoting safe working practices and contributing to a professional workshop environment.
• Identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, productivity and efficiency.

Skills

CNC machining

Conventional machine tools

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Workload management

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent in engineering

Tools

CNC machine tools

Conventional machine tools

Job description

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve, shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, achieved through the talent, expertise and commitment of our people.

Our culture empowers colleagues to make a genuine impact, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to projects that solve real-world challenges. If you're an experienced Mechanical Engineering Technician looking for a role where your skills will be valued and your work will make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Join our specialist Engineering Centre and become part of a highly skilled team delivering precision engineering solutions for a diverse range of innovative projects across the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences and the University.

This is a varied, hands‑on role where you'll manufacture high‑precision components, develop bespoke equipment, maintain workshop facilities and provide expert technical support to engineering and research activities across the University.

No two days are the same. One day you could be machining a complex component from a CAD drawing, the next building and modifying specialist equipment or helping develop innovative manufacturing solutions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manufacturing precision components using conventional and CNC machine tools.
• Interpreting engineering drawings, CAD models, sketches and technical specifications.
• Constructing, modifying and repairing bespoke mechanical equipment and apparatus.
• Providing practical engineering advice and technical solutions.
• Supporting the design and development of specialist engineering equipment.
• Maintaining workshop machinery and ensuring equipment remains safe, reliable and operational.
• Promoting safe working practices and contributing to a professional workshop environment.
• Identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, productivity and efficiency.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, precision engineering and creating practical solutions that support innovation.

About You

We're looking for a skilled Mechanical Engineering Technician with a passion for quality workmanship and continuous improvement.

You will have:

• An HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline.
• Experience operating a range of conventional and/ or CNC machine tools.
• Significant experience working within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• A strong understanding of workshop health and safety requirements.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings and translate concepts into high‑quality manufactured components.
• Excellent practical problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to plan, prioritise and manage workload with minimal supervision.

Most importantly, you'll enjoy taking ownership of your work, collaborating with colleagues and finding innovative ways to tackle engineering challenges.

Why Join Surrey?

• Work on unique and technically challenging projects.
• Access well‑equipped workshop facilities and modern manufacturing equipment.
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive technical team.
• Contribute to world‑class engineering and research activities.
• Benefit from excellent professional development opportunities and a generous staff benefits package.

An Standard DBS check will be required on appointment and renewed in accordance with University requirements.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.