Mechanical Workshop Technician

Imperial College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

43 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working policy

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Job summary

Imperial College London is seeking a Mechanical Workshop Technician to join the Opto-Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop. You will design, manufacture and modify high-precision components for research, while guiding students and researchers in equipment design and providing hands-on support to staff.

Work with CNC machines and 3D printing facilities; ensure safe operation and maintenance of workshop equipment, and uphold health and safety standards across projects.

Qualifications

• Educated to HNC/HND level with completion of a recognised apprenticeship in engineering.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture and modify high precision bespoke components for research use.
• Provide guidance to students and researchers in lab equipment design.
• Hands-on technical support to staff delivering experiments and teaching.
• Ensure maintenance of equipment and compliance with health and safety practices.

Skills

Practical workshop experience

CNC machines expertise

Engineering drawings interpretation

Problem solving & organisation

Effective communication

Health and safety compliance

Willingness to develop skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Teamwork with students/researchers

Education

HNC/HND with recognised apprenticeship

Tools

CAM software

CAD software

Job description

About the role

The Department of Physics is looking to appoint a Mechanical Workshop Technician, to join the existing team based within the Opto-Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop. 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 Department’s 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.

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.

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 43 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).

For queries about the role, contact:

Martin Kehoe, Opto-Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop Manager - [e-mail].

For queries about the application process, contact:

The Physics Knowledge Hub - [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: 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.

Find out more about our inclusive environment.

£42,505 to £47,213 per annum