Engineering Workshop Technician

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH); Wallingford; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave (rising to 29)

10% employer pension contribution

Flexible and hybrid working

Peer reward program

Dental insurance

Gym discounts

Retail discounts

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

24/7 support resources

Job summary

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is seeking an experienced Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Workshop Technician to join our engineering team at Wallingford. You will design, build and maintain research-grade instruments and bespoke systems, translating drawings into precision components and fully tested assemblies for field deployments.

You will work across the full engineering lifecycle with scientists, using CNC machining, welding and fabrication skills.

Qualifications

• Holds a relevant technical qualification (BTEC Level 3–7) or equivalent experience.
• Strong understanding of materials, mechanical engineering principles, tolerances, fits.
• Hands-on machine shop experience; modern or time-served apprenticeship.
• Interest in integrating mechanics and electronics (mechatronics).
• Experience building and fault-finding electro-mechanical assemblies (sensor wiring, circuits).
• Pride in precision and continuous improvement; solutions-focused mindset.
• Collaborative, proactive, and able to share knowledge in a team.
• Adaptable across projects; good initiative and problem-solving.
• Well organized and able to manage time across tasks.
• Demonstrates good workshop health & safety practices.
• Holds full UK manual driving licence; able to travel to field sites; overnight stays possible.
• Comfortable moving/heavy equipment between vehicles and sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and build research-grade instruments and bespoke systems in collaboration with scientists.
• Produce machined parts and fully tested electro‑mechanical assemblies from drawings.
• Operate conventional and CNC lathes, milling machines, welding and workshop equipment.
• Work across engineering disciplines including wiring, installation, servicing and maintenance at workshop and field sites.
• Support procurement activities and maintain accurate workshop records and documentation.

Skills

Technical qualification

Mechatronics integration

Hands-on workshop

Precision engineering

Team collaboration

Adaptable

Organisation

Health & safety

Field travel

Clear communicator

Heavy equipment handling

Education

Technical qualification (BTEC Level 3–7)

Tools

CNC machining

Welding equipment

Lathes & milling machines

3D printing

Job description

Salary - £33,284 - £35,322
Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Workshop Technician to join our highly collaborative, research-focused engineering team based at our Head Office in Wallingford. As part of the wider Water and Climate Science team, you will play a key role in developing,maintainingand supporting the facilities and equipment that underpin our science.

As a technical specialist, you will become part of a small, hands-on workshop team, developing leading-edge sensor systems, environmental monitoring networks, surveyequipmentand bespoke experimental apparatus to support a wide range of researchobjectives. Working across the full engineering lifecycle, you will interpret technical drawings, produce precision-machined components, and build fully tested electro-mechanical assemblies. Using conventional and CNC machining, welding, and fabrication techniques, you will translate complex designs into robust, field-ready solutions.

You will work flexibly across disciplines, contributing to electro-mechanical construction, wiring, installation, servicing, and maintenance of equipment. This will include supporting deployments to remote field sites, where reliability, adaptability and problem-solving are essential. Through this work, you will contribute to nationally significant initiatives such as: UKCEH AMI, COSMOS-UK, DELTA, Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) and AgZero - helping us to deliver the data, insight and innovation needed to protect communities, informpolicyand safeguard the environment.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with scientists and researchers to design and build research-grade instruments and bespoke experimental systems

• Producing machined parts and fully tested electro-mechanical assemblies from technical drawings

• Operating conventionalmanual and CNClathes, milling machines, ,welding equipmentand otherworkshop machinery

• Working flexibly across engineering disciplines, including electro-mechanical construction, wiring, installation,servicingand maintenance of equipment, both in the workshop and at remote field sites

• Supporting procurement activities andmaintainingaccurateworkshop records and documentation

This role offers exceptional variety and hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. From workshop-based fabrication and prototyping to field support and technical problem-solving, your work will directly enable high-quality environmental research. You will join a supportive and passionate team where your practical skills, attention to detail and proactive approach will be valued, and where you can make a meaningful contribution to delivering safe,efficientand effective operations.

We are looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, applying sound judgement and knowing when to seek guidance. You will bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, using initiative and creativity to resolve technical challenges andidentifyimprovements. Well organised and adaptable, you will manage your time effectively while continuing to build your skills across a diverse range of activities. You will be a clear communicator who can build strong relationships with colleagues and contribute positively to team culture, while also supporting the wider impact and visibility of UKCEH’s work.

For the role of Engineering Workshop Technician,we’relooking for someone who:

• Holds a relevant technical qualification (BTEC Level 3–7) or brings equivalent experience

• Has a strong understanding of materials, mechanical engineering principles, and engineering tolerances,limitsand fits, with the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical workshop environment

• Brings hands-on experience working in a machine shop, ideally supported by a modern or time-served apprenticeship

• Is excited by the integration of mechanics and electronics, with an interest in mechatronics and emerging engineering technologies

• Has experience building and fault-finding electro-mechanical assemblies, such as sensor wiring and circuit diagnostics

• Takes pride in precisionand continuous improvement, with a solutions-focused mindset

• Works collaboratively, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive, hands-on engineering culture

• Is adaptable and comfortable working on a range of projects, using initiative to solve problems

• Is well organised,proactiveand able to manage time effectively across varied tasks

• Demonstrates a solid understanding of workshop health and safety practices

• Holds a full UK manual driving licence, and iscomfortableto work outdoors and travel to field sites across the UK, including occasional overnight stays,

• Is comfortable moving and handling heavy or awkward equipment between vehicles and sites (reasonable adjustments available where needed)

DesirableKnowledge &Skills:

• A good understanding of applied engineering principles,materialsand manufacturing techniques

• Experience of CNC machining with a passion for precision engineering

• An interest in sensors, instrumentation,electronicsor IoT technologies

• Experience using 3D printing for prototyping

• Awareness of quality systems such as ISO9001

• Experience with Raspberry Pi and/or Arduino

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

You’llbe joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institutethat’scommitted to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)

• Peer reward and recognition scheme

• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more…

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At UKCEH, we are committed to creating an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyonehas the opportunity tothrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities, andwe’rehappy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us know. Ifyou’reexcited about this role but your experiencedoesn’talign perfectly with every requirement,we’dlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note:

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for thisroleand this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.