Mechanical Engineering Technician

University of the West of Scotland; Paisley; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 24 days + 12 holidays

Birthday leave

Defined benefit pension scheme

Flexible working pattern

Fitness facilities

Health resources and wellbeing access

Career and research development

Job summary

University of the West of Scotland is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Technician to provide technical support for taught programmes, research and commercial activity. The role covers a range of workshop and laboratory equipment, requiring broad mechanical skills and a flexible, team-oriented approach.

The successful candidate will have completed an apprenticeship with an HND/HNC, with extra points for SolidWorks/3D printing experience and UTMs knowledge, plus a solid commitment to health and

Qualifications

• Completed a recognized apprenticeship in relevant field.
• Hold an HND in Engineering or equivalent.
• Hold an HNC in appropriate subject obtained through apprenticeship.
• Broad range of mechanical workshop skills including manual and CNC machining.
• Advantageous to have SolidWorks and 3D printing knowledge.
• Some knowledge of UTMs would be advantageous.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and supporting an outstanding student experience.
• Good understanding of Health and Safety practices.
• Working knowledge of basic IT.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to taught programmes, research and commercial activity.
• Ensure safe operation of workshop and laboratory equipment.
• Support general operations in other areas of the school to cover for absence and sick leave.

Skills

Mechanical workshop skills

Health and safety

Teamwork / collaboration

IT literacy

Education

Apprenticeship (completed)

HND in Engineering or equivalent

HNC obtained through apprenticeship

Tools

SolidWorks

3D printing

UTMs

Job description

THE POST – REQ000605 - Mechanical Engineering Technician

Full time: 35 hours per week

Permanent

Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Applicants will therefore be unable to secure a Skilled Worker visa for this role and will require an alternative source of right to work in the UK.

We are presently inviting applications for the post of Mechanical Engineering Technician, which will primarily provide technical support to taught programmes, research and commercial activity within the Engineering disciplines. The post holder will be responsible for the provision of technical support ensuring the effective and efficient operation of a range of workshop and laboratory equipment.

To deliver in this busy role you will have a broad-based knowledge of engineering equipment including the safe operation of engineering workshop machine tools. Additional in-house training will be provided as necessary. The successful applicant may be required to support general operations in other areas of the school to cover for absence and sick leave.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Completed a recognized apprenticeship in relevant field.
• Hold an HND in Engineering or equivalent.
• Hold an HNC in appropriate subject obtained through apprenticeship.
• Have a broad range of mechanical workshop skills including manual and CNC machining work.
• Be flexible in approach to deal with varying workload and duties, working both independently and as part of a team as required.
• It would be advantageous to have some experience in using software packages such as Solid Works and 3D printing.
• Some knowledge in the operation of UTMs would also be advantageous.
• Commitment to delivering high quality teaching and supporting an outstanding student experience
• Have a good understanding of Health and Safety practices.
• Have a working knowledge of basic IT.

ABOUT US

University of the West of Scotland is a placemaking institution that is proud to be an integral part of its local communities, with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has almost 100 international partnerships and its student community comprises more than 100 nationalities.

UWS is committed to providing education opportunities for all, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The University creates meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally through innovative learning and teaching, pioneering research, and transformative partnerships. UWS is committed to the UNSDGs and was ranked joint 1st in Scotland and joint 4th in the UK for quality education (SDG4); and 1st in the UK and 39th globally for our contribution to decent work and economic growth (SDG8) in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.

90% of UWS research was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally in the REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021.

Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world-leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026

Interview Date: Monday 14th September 2026