Technical officer Surface Engineering & Vacuum systems

The Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is inviting applications for a Technical Officer in Surface Engineering & Vacuum Systems, based at the Surface Engineering laboratories. You will operate, maintain, repair, and support a wide range of laboratory equipment to sustain high performance and reliability for research, teaching and industry projects.

You will bring substantial lab/workshop experience, knowledge of vacuum systems or thin-film deposition, and strong problem-solving and communication

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of working in a relevant lab/workshop environment.
• Experience with vacuum systems and/or thin film deposition technologies.
• Good knowledge of vacuum systems and their maintenance.
• Ability to design, build and install bespoke system modifications.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships.
• Hands-on mindset with willingness to problem solve and learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair a wide range of laboratory and workshop equipment, ensuring safe operation and high standards of performance and reliability.
• Utilize and support vacuum systems and thin-film deposition technologies, ensuring optimal functionality and compliance with operational procedures.
• Manage the operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of specialist analytical and laboratory equipment.
• Work independently in your specialist area, taking responsibility for a designated workspace and the provision of an excellent service.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and equipment records to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Be responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and general maintenance of specialist equipment in your area.
• Devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Train service users in the use of specialist equipment and software.

Skills

Lab/workshop experience

Vacuum systems knowledge

Thin-film deposition knowledge

Strong communication skills

Problem solving

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Additive Manufacturing and Hydrogen Technologies Technical Team at Manchester Metropolitan University as a Technical officer in Surface Engineering & Vacuum systems. Based at the Surface Engineering laboratories, this is an exciting opportunity to use your specialist skills to support the research, teaching and industrial partners projects taking place in Manchester Metropolitan University.

About The Role

As a Technical Officer, you will:

• Operate, maintain, and repair a wide range of laboratory and workshop equipment, ensuring safe operation and high standards of performance and reliability.
• Utilize and support vacuum systems and thin-film deposition technologies, ensuring optimal functionality and compliance with operational procedures.

Manage the operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of specialist analytical and laboratory equipment.

• Work independently in your specialist area, taking responsibility for a designated workspace and the provision of an excellent service.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and equipment records to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Be responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and general maintenance of specialist equipment in your area.
• Devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Train service users in the use of specialist equipment and software.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will possess:

• Substantial experience of working in a relevant lab/workshop environment, including extensive experience in the use of and demonstration of lab/workshop
• Experience on Vacuum systems AND/OR thin film deposition technologies, and the production of quality outputs.
• Good knowledge of theory and practice regarding vacuum systems and their maintenance.
• The ability to design, build and install bespoke system modifications.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships.
• Excellent technical skills in your specialist area and be flexible and capable of learning new techniques/applying your skills to different applications to support service users and technical colleagues.
• Be willing to get hands-on with the equipment and problem solve
• The ability to work under pressure and juggle competing priorities effectively.

About Our Team

You will be part of a large and diverse Technical Team that works in specialist laboratories, workshops, studios and IT facilities. Our technical team play a key role supporting, guiding, and advising across our university, from sciences, engineering, art, design and technology through to sports, ceramics, nursing and physiotherapy.

We offer a creative working environment that inspires our staff to fulfil their potential and offer training to further develop your skills and expertise

Further Information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

Documents

• JD_Surf_Eng_Vacuum_Systems_TO.pdf (309.07 KB)
• Candidate Pack.pdf (9.16 MB)