Mechanical Workshop Technician/Senior Technician

Heriot-Watt University; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh is seeking a Mechanical Workshop Technician/Senior Technician to join a busy workshop team. You will support teaching and research by maintaining a range of machines, setting up training sessions, and helping students with practical work using lathes, CNC machines, 3D printers and other tools.

The role requires 3–5 years post-apprentice experience, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills to interact with staff and students.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years post-apprentice workshop experience.
• Educated to SCQF Level 7–8 or HNC/HND in mechanical engineering.
• Completed a recognized mechanical workshop apprenticeship.
• Substantial experience with CNC machines.
• Knowledge of CAD and programming CNC machines.

Responsibilities

• Aid design, construct, adapt, repair and maintain precision mechanical devices.
• Assist with setting up and running training classes for students.
• Support teaching and research activities in a large team of technical staff.
• Ensure health and safety compliance and risk assessment in workshop.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

SCQF Level 7-8 or equivalent in mechanical engineering

Mechanical workshop apprenticeship completed

Tools

CNC machines

CAD drawing facilities

Job description

Company: Heriot-Watt University

Salary: £27,241 to £37,369 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Edinburgh, EH14 4AS

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 3 Nov 2026

Closing date: 18 Nov 2026

Mechanical Workshop Technician/Senior Technician

A mechanical workshop technician is required to provide support for teaching and research as part of a large team of 12 technical staff. The mechanical workshop has a range of machinery including conventional workshop equipment (lathes, mills etc.) CNC machines, 3D printers and other tooling. The role holder is required to aid design, construct, adapt, repair, and maintain precision mechanical devices, electro-mechanical and optical equipment. You will also assist with the setting up and running of training classes for undergraduate and post graduate students and have a range of other duties within the Workshop.

You will have 3-5 years post apprentice experience in a workshop environment – not necessarily in a teaching or research context – have a good attention to detail and experience with a broad range of materials and manufacturing processes. You should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact positively with a broad range of people.

• Educated to SCQF Level 7-8, HNC/HND or equivalent in mechanical engineering.
• Completion of a recognised mechanical workshop apprenticeship plus ideally 3-5 years’ post-qualification work experience.
• Substantial experience of working with CNC machines (Essential for GR6, potential progression after training for GR5).
• Knowledge of CAD drawing facilities and mechanical design skills including coding, and programming CNC machines (Essential for GR6, potential progression after training for GR5).
• Experience of a broad spectrum of machine tool use including lathes, milling machines and drilling machines.
• Experience of problem solving.
• Good understanding of health & safety regulations and procedures and experience of Risk Assessment etc.
• Able to work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team planning, team communication, and organisational skills.
• Some manual handling will be involved requiring fitness and physical effort.

Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

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