Lead Engineering Technician (Workshop)

National Museums; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Flexible policies

Healthcare cash plan

Wellbeing support

Pension plan

Discounts and visitor benefits

Job summary

The Science Museum Group is seeking a Lead Engineering Technician (Workshop) based at the Science Museum to oversee the Electromechanical workshop, ensure safe operations, and support the maintenance of historic machinery including the Burnley Mill Steam Engine.

You will lead a 20-person team, manage compliance and training, and contribute to a high-quality visitor experience through reliable equipment and facilities.

Qualifications

• Practical engineering experience in a workshop/manufacturing/engineering environment.
• Experience leading a workshop team or stepping into a broader leadership role.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge and experience using workshop machinery.
• Experience with metal fabrication, machining and operating manual or CNC equipment.
• Recognised engineering apprenticeship or equivalent qualification is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operation of the workshop and ensure safe working practices.
• Promote safety, compliance, and training within the team.
• Support maintenance, repair and development of interactive exhibits and historic machinery.

Skills

Workshop leadership

Health & safety focus

Machining

Metal fabrication

Mentoring / people management

Education

Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent qualification

Tools

Workshop machinery

CNC equipment

Job description

About us

Could your workshop leadership experience, engineering background, and problem-solving skills help make science and engineering come alive for our visitors?

The Science Museum Group (SMG) encompasses the Science Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Science & Industry Museum, the Science & Media Museum, Locomotion and the Science and Innovation Park, making us the world's greatest alliance of science museums. The Technical Services department provides technical services across the Science Museum, maintaining a diverse array of interactive exhibits and displays. This skilled technical team supports the museum in delivering an exciting programme of activities ensuring a high-quality visitor experience. The workshop is equipped with both engineering and woodwork machines, as well as a laser cutter, 3D printer and welding facilities.

To support this work, we are now looking for a Lead Engineering Technician (Workshop) based at the Science Museum on a full-time, permanent basis.

About the role

As Lead Engineering Technician (Workshop), you will join our Electromechanical team and take responsibility for the management, compliance and day to day operation of our engineering workshop. As part of a 20-person team spanning Electromechanical, Digital Exhibits, and Production, you will oversee workshop operations, promote safe work habits, and support the reliable performance of equipment, machinery, and facilities. Alongside managing compliance, training and procedures, you'll also support the maintenance, repair and development of our interactive exhibits and historic working machinery, including the renowned Burnley Mill Steam Engine.

This is a permanent, full-time role based onsite at the Science Museum. Shifts mainly cover 07:30-15:45, with some between 10:00-18:15. You will work one in three weekends and share Bank Holidays.

About you

By joining us, you'll have with practical engineering experience gained within a workshop, manufacturing or engineering environment. You may already be leading a workshop team or be ready to take the next step into a broader leadership role. You'll contribute mechanical engineering knowledge, experience using workshop machinery, and a consistent focus on safety and compliance. Experience of metal fabrication, machining and operating manual or CNC equipment would be particularly valuable. A recognised engineering apprenticeship or equivalent qualification is essential.

We're looking for someone who combines technical excellence with effective leadership skills. You'll have experience supervising or mentoring others, managing workshop processes and promoting high standards of health, safety and compliance. A recognised engineering apprenticeship or equivalent qualification is essential.

Just as important, you'll work well with others, be easy to approach, and enjoy sharing knowledge while helping colleagues from varied backgrounds and fields grow.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

What we offer

• Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
• Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
• Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
• Healthcare cash plan. Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
• Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
• Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
• Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
• Interest‑free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
• Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.

National Museum Directors' Council, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, WilliamBrown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN