Mechanical Workshop Technician

SONICOM; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days’ annual leave

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working policy from day one

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Job summary

Imperial College London is seeking a Mechanical Workshop Technician for the Opto-Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop to design, manufacture and modify high-precision bespoke components for research. The role interfaces with academics, researchers and students, ensuring safe, efficient workshop practices while contributing to project development.

You will work alongside the Workshop Manager and a Glass Technician, operating CNC machines and CAM/CAD tools, reading engineering drawings, and

Qualifications

• Educated to HNC/HND level with an apprenticeship in engineering, or equivalent.
• Practical experience in an engineering workshop.
• Experience using CNC machines, including lathes and milling.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and following written instructions.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture and modify high-precision bespoke components for research.
• Provide hands-on technical support to staff and students in teaching/research.
• Maintain equipment and ensure health and safety compliance in lab practices.
• Collaborate with Workshop Manager and Glass Technician across projects.
• Guide students and researchers in laboratory equipment design.

Skills

Engineering workshop experience

CNC machining (lathe & milling)

CAM and CAD software

Reading engineering drawings

Problem solving & multi-project work

Effective communication with diverse,

Education

HNC/HND with recognised engineering apprenticeship

Tools

CNC machines (lathes & mills)

CAM software

CAD software

Job description

The Department of Physics seeks to appoint a Mechanical Workshop Technician based within its Opto-Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop, in the Light Community. The post holder will work with academics, researchers, and students to develop the design and manufacture of high precision bespoke components, whilst ensuring that safe and effective working practices are carried out. The role will play a key role in the development and modification of research systems and equipment.

What you would be doing

The role is varied and will work alongside the Workshop Manager (Mechanical Technician) and a Glass Technician, to manufacture and modify high precision bespoke components for use in research both within the Light Community and external collaborators. The facility has a range of equipment including manual/CNC machines and 3D printers, along with access to equipment in the Physics Mechanical Instrumentation workshop.

You will be providing guidance to students and researchers in the design of laboratory equipment, as well as hands‑on technical support to staff engaged in the delivery of experimental teaching/research. Throughout, the postholder will be required to ensure effective maintenance of equipment, and compliance with health and safety in accordance with laboratory practices and procedures.

You will also have access to a range of professional development, as well as the opportunity to connect with and learn from others through our extensive Technicians’ Network.

What we are looking for

• Educated to HNC/HND level with completion of a recognised apprenticeship in engineering, or equivalent.
• Practical experience within an engineering workshop.
• Experience of using CNC machines, including lathes and milling machines.
• Proven experience of using CAM and CAD software.
• Experience of working from engineering drawings and written instructions.
• Ability to problem‑solve and organise work to meet deadlines, whilst working across multiple projects.
• Excellent communication skills across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience ensuring that security and safety standards are maintained at all times.
• A willingness to continue to develop own technical skills and expertise in workshop technology, consistent with the needs of the department.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on‑site leisure facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

Further information

This is a full‑time, open‑ended post (35 hours per week).

If you have any questions about the role, please contact: Martin Kehoe, Opto‑Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop Manager - [e-mail]

The Department of Physics is part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London, and is structured into five Research Communities that drive new research directions: Light, Matter, Physics of Particles, Physics of the Universe, and Space, Plasma and Climate.

The Department of Physics is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving community.

We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives, and we warmly welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds, and particularly those underrepresented in physics, to join our vibrant community supported by initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us [e-mail]. We're here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top‑ten university where scientific imagination leads to world‑changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.

You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.

Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.