Rapid Prototyping Technician

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days leave

Pension scheme

Benefits and discounts

6-month Sport membership

Job summary

University of Glasgow seeks a Technician to manage and develop the 3D printing and laser cutting facilities within the School of Engineering, ensuring smooth operation of teaching laboratories and research projects. You will produce high-quality prints, provide technical support, and train staff and students in safe usage, with emphasis on safety and procedural standards.

The role is full-time, Grade 3, with a strong focus on teamwork, rapid prototyping development, and contributing to

Qualifications

• A1 SCQF level 4 English and Maths or equivalent; some relevant experience.
• A2 Knowledge of 3D Printing.
• A3 Knowledge of design methodology and processes.
• A4 Understanding of health and safety policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Produce 3D printed parts and assemblies to a high standard.
• Advise and resolve 3D printing and laser cutting issues for research/teaching.
• Source and procure materials and lab consumables following procedures.
• Carry out routine maintenance and repairs on lab equipment.
• Set up Undergraduate teaching labs and advise students on equipment use.
• Instruct new staff and students on safe operation of 3D print farm and laser cutters.
• Work safely and in accordance with risk assessments and Safety policies.
• Pursue personal development in rapid prototyping.
• Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to wider School activities.

Skills

Technical drawings

Workload planning

Problem solving

Communication

Education

English & Math (SCQF 4)

3D Printing

Design methods

Health & safety

Job description

Job Purpose

The role involves producing high-quality 3D prints, maintaining and developing the 3D printing and laser cutting facilities within the School of Engineering. To provide technical support and assistance to ensure the smooth operation of teaching laboratories and research projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Produce 3D printed parts and assemblies in a variety of applicable materials to a high standard for use in experimental applications in research and teaching labs.
• Advise and solve issues that may arise with respect to 3D printing and laser cutting of parts and assemblies as required for research and teaching applications.
• Follow set procedures to source and procure materials and lab consumables.
• Carry out routine maintenance and repairs on the apparatus and equipment in teaching labs, research labs and 3D printing and laser cutting facility.
• Set up and prepare Undergraduate teaching labs and provide advice and guidance for students on use of equipment as directed.
• Instruct new staff and students on the safe working of Schools 3D print farm and laser cutting facilities.
• Understand and acknowledge the risks associated with the job and approach work in a safe manner. Carry out all work in accordance with control measures identified through risk assessment. Adhere to wider Health and Safety policies.
• Actively pursue personal development and improvement of technical skills by gaining experience and knowledge in the rapid prototyping environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/Institute/School activities as required, including the Technician Commitment key themes, https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/technicians/

Knowledge, QualificationsEssential:

• A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent, and some experience of working in a similar role. Or the ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
• A2 Knowledge of 3D Printing.
• A3 Knowledge of Design methodology & processes.
• A4 Understanding of relevant health and safety policies and procedures.

Desirable:

• B1 Knowledge of 3D printer maintenance.
• B2 Knowledge of Laser cutting process.
• B3 Knowledge of CAE software (Autodesk Fusion, SolidWorks).

Skills

Essential:

• C1 Able to work from technical drawings/sketches and verbal instructions.
• C2 Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.
• C3 Good technical problem-solving skills
• C4 Good communication skills.

Desirable:

• D1 Able to set up laboratory equipment and advise others on correct use.
• D2 Able to use CAE software (Autodesk Fusion preferred).
• D3 Able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Experience

Essential:

• E1 Experience of working independently and under the direction of a manager.
• E2 Experience of planning and scheduling work and managing time efficiently.
• E3 Experience of working safely in accordance with health and safety protocols.

Desirable:

• F1 Experience of working in a similar role.
• F2 Experience of 3D printing parts.
• F3 Experience of laser cutting parts.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 3, £24,685 - £25,249 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and open ended.

Closing date: 26 October 2026

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates must therefore have an existing right to work in the UK or be able to secure this independently prior to commencing employment. For further information on alternative immigration options, please visit University of Glasgow’s UKVI Website.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
• 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
• 3 A flexible approach to working.
• 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.