Technical Instructor in Motorsport Mechanical Engineering

University of Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Derby’s College of Science and Engineering seeks a highly skilled Technical Instructor to support delivery of practical engineering activities, with a focus on mechanical and motorsport disciplines. You will contribute to teaching, research, and industry-focused projects across engineering labs and workshops, ensuring safe operation of facilities.

You will guide students and staff, manage workshop resources, maintain equipment, and support health and safety compliance, while

Job description

£32,942 to £36,977 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £42,523.55 per annum)

Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands‑on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

Technical Services

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation play a vital part in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Technical colleagues within the College of Science and Engineering support a wide range of specialist resources and activities. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, workshops and controlled environments. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence.

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Technical Instructor to support the delivery and development of practical engineering activities within the College of Science and Engineering, with a particular focus on mechanical and motorsport disciplines. This exciting hands‑on role will play a key part in supporting teaching, research, and industry-focused projects across a range of engineering laboratories and workshop environments.

The successful candidate will provide specialist technical expertise in vehicle dynamics, vehicle design, milling, turning, fabrication, and race vehicle preparation. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will be responsible for the setup, maintenance, and operation of race‑prepared vehicles, including trackside support activities, while ensuring safe and effective use of engineering facilities and equipment.

As part of the technical team, you will support students and staff through the delivery of technical training, guidance, and practical demonstrations, helping to develop industry‑relevant skills and knowledge. You will also contribute to the management of workshop resources, equipment maintenance, health and safety compliance, budget planning, and the continuous development of technical services across the College.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering professional with a strong understanding of the motorsport industry, a passion for technical education, and the ability to support both academic and research activities. The role also involves collaboration with academic colleagues, supervision of practical activities, support for field trips and off‑site teaching, and contributing to the development of innovative learning environments that prepare students for careers in engineering and motorsport sectors.

You will hold a degree in a related discipline, or possess comparable knowledge and transferable skills gained through relevant industry experience. The ideal candidate will have substantial hands‑on technical experience within a motorsport or high‑performance automotive environment, preferably gained within a race team, manufacturing, research, or educational setting.

You will be proficient in the operation, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of a wide range of motorsport equipment, including data acquisition and telemetry systems, diagnostic tools, engine and vehicle testing equipment, and setup systems such as alignment rigs and suspension measurement tools. A solid understanding of key motorsport engineering principles - such as vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, and chassis setup - is essential alongside experience supporting workshop and trackside activities, preparing vehicles and test rigs, and contributing to performance data analysis.

In addition, you will have practical experience in machining and fabrication processes, including the safe and precise operation of manual milling machines, lathes, and associated workshop equipment, supporting the development and maintenance of mechanical and motorsport components.

• To deliver formal technical skills instruction sessions, including handouts, to students in the use of resources, software and any relevant health and safety procedures. To include ongoing informal assessment of student competence and effectiveness.
• To assist with the management and deployment of the area’s technical staff, where appropriate, ensuring the most effective use of technical resources.
• Maintaining effective liaison with other senior technical advisors, academic and administrative staff to provide the best use of resources.
• To develop and deliver appropriate schemes of instruction relevant to resource area through close liaison with academic staff and Technical Team Leader.
• Managing the organization and maintenance of equipment and workshop spaces in the area including equipment asset registers and ensuring compliance with all relevant Health and Safety regulations and policies.
• Providing technical assistance, student supervision and guidance as agreed with the line manager.
• Providing input and advice on the forward planning of resources.
• To assist and support research and knowledge transfer work by providing technical knowledge in appropriate resource areas.
• Managing technical area budgets in accordance with the University’s Financial Regulations.
• Assisting in the selection, recruitment and induction of new technical staff in line with the University’s Human Relations Policies and Procedures.
• Ensuring the provision of appropriate training programmes for all staff.
• Attending relevant committee meetings as agreed with the Technical Team Leader.
• Participating in the University’s staff Development Review and engaging in personal staff development to ensure a current awareness of relevant technology as agreed with the relevant Technical Team Leader.
• Undertaking any other duties as required in agreement with the Technical Team Leader/ Technical Manager. Deputising for the Technical Team Leader when required.
• Support off site field trips including residentials.
• Driving equipment and persons to sites to support teaching and practical activities.
• Degree in related discipline, or equivalent experiential learning in a related subject
• Full UK Manual Driving Licence

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working within the motorsport industry/a motorsport environment
• Demonstrable experience of metal fabrication including milling and turning
• Experience of maintaining workshop/laboratory equipment
• Experience in the operation of manual machine tools
• Experience of working to Health and Safety regulations

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Ability to plan and monitor own workload operating both alone and as part of a team
• Demonstrable high level of organisational and practical skills
• Ability to train and supervise students and researchers in the correct and safe use of equipment, with excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively to students and colleagues
• Ability to produce technical drawings with 2D and 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD
• Ability to demonstrate tasks/processes to individuals and small groups
• Full understanding of safety relating to both machine shop and vehicle activities
• Able to write and develop risk assessments and Health and Safety documentation relating to activities
• Ability to fault diagnose and carry out repairs and maintenance

Business requirements

• Ability to travel to offsite locations
• There will be limited evening and weekend work associated with this post
• Attend field trips or otherwise as agreed in advance with the Technical Team Leader

Experience

• Experience in testing of materials and/or components
• Proven experience of working within a teaching technician role or teaching laboratory
• Experience of participation in competitions such as Formula Student and Shell Eco Marathon
• Practical experience with MIG TIG welding techniques
• Experience of managing a team

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Demonstrable ability in repair and maintenance of automotive assemblies
• Able to monitor technical standards across the resource area, highlighting and prioritising any issues for further investigation
• Able to perform diagnosis and fault finding of equipment, techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of material properties and testing techniques
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Richard Bostock, Technical Team Leader via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail] .

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity,diversityand inclusion at the University of Derby, pleasevisitour website .

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice , and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.