Maintenance jobs in United Kingdom

Salary: £35,608 - £37,694 with progression to £46,049 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 13 January 2026

The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) at Newcastle University is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to the role of Technical Lead for the new Great North-East Cleanroom Facility.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop and shape a facility and team to serve not only research and teaching at Newcastle University but to build links with stakeholders around the region to ensure that we have a centre of regional excellence here in Newcastle.

The role will include the day-to-day management and operation of the facility, and you will work closely with SAgE academic and technical teams to develop and execute a strategy for growth of the cleanroom into a regional facility.

An enthusiastic approach to trouble shooting, equipment maintenance and project management is essential. You will also have opportunity to present to business and other universities in the North‑East so good interpersonal skills are preferred.

You will need to demonstrate:

• A strong customer focus and the ability to work flexibly, efficiently, and cooperatively with stakeholders
• Extensive experience with semiconductor manufacturing and micromachining tools in cleanroom or equivalent environments
• Evidence of technical problem solving, and a solution focused approach
• An excellent understanding of health and safety systems
• A proactive mindset with evidence of continuous improvement

As part of the interview process you will be required to give a 10‑minute presentation on the topic ‘What is your vision for the Great North‑East Cleanroom and how would you develop this’

For informal enquiries, please contact Andrea Dawson, Physics Technical Lead, by email: andrea.dawson@newcastle.ac.uk

The position is full‑time and offered on an open‑ended basis.

At Newcastle University we are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. For further details about Newcastle University please visit our information page at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/about.

• To manage and organise both teaching and research needs within the GNEC laboratory space to ensure the safe, secure and effective operation of these facilities. Liaising with academic stakeholders to ensure uniform and consistent delivery of teaching and research. Providing training through their team to staff and students in laboratory techniques relevant to their area of responsibility.
• Support the Technical Operations Manager with the planning, organisation and administration of space, infrastructure, estate and wider technical services within their team’s area of responsibility. To ensure the effective maintenance, security and facility management of the SAgE Faculty/School in their area of expertise, including third‑party arrangements. To lead on discrete estates related projects, including university‑wide initiatives.
• In conjunction with the SAgE Faculty/School, manage the satisfactory maintenance, repair and calibration of all equipment and instrumentation within their area. To assist in the forward planning to upgrade and replace equipment. In collaboration with the SAgE Faculty/School Operations teams, to assist in maintaining the School’s asset register for planning and insurance purposes.
• To lead, manage and develop a technical team as the project grows and progresses, ensuring effective performance. This will include responsibility for staff induction, training, performance management and performance development review, the allocation and prioritisation of duties, recruitment and authorisation of annual leave. Planning and implementing work schedules for the technical team ensuring an effective and flexible use of available resources.
• Ensure sound financial accounting whilst maintaining best value principles by maintaining records relating to the recharging of technical time where appropriate; and managing allocated budgets and expenditure.
• Monitor and maintain a safe working environment to health and safety guidelines, as well as managing and organising regular team meetings, health and safety meetings and laboratory inspections. Write, review and implement local guidelines and procedures. Lead on team safety issues and ensure safe working practices throughout their area of responsibility.
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

• Experience of using an array of analytical instrumentation in a research environment.
• Experience of managing or supporting a laboratory and associated infrastructure, inventories, instrumentation, equipment and sustainable practices simultaneously, whilst prioritising capabilities.
• Experience in the fabrication of nano‑devices and novel compounds.
• Up-to‑date and detailed knowledge of Health and Safety policy and procedures in a lab setting, including extensive experience of writing risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to implement and manage change with demonstrable recent experience and skills in staff management, and the ability to motivate and develop members of a team.
• Can demonstrate excellent planning, organising and technical problem solving skills, with a proactive and innovative approach, utilising excellent prioritisation skills and the ability to delegate tasks.
• Evidence of lab systems project management and managing associated budgets.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Good numerical skills and the ability to manipulate, analyse and present useful information.

• Displays a flexible attitude to team tasks and priorities, with a willingness to help others and share workloads with clear communications.
• Works collaboratively with others and is a positive role model to their team and will support their development.
• Establishes strong stakeholder relationships and respects the expertise and contribution of others.
• Works in a planned and structured way with good attention to detail.
• Ensures that all activities are completed on time and can prioritise tasks accordingly, optimising resource use, and maintaining high standards or service.
• Strives to deliver high quality results by embracing change and developing and implementing new ideas to improve technical services and systems.
• A proactive and innovative approach to problem solving.

• Degree or equivalent level 6 qualification in a STEM subject area or experience in a similar role with significant technical experience, demonstrating development through progressively more demanding, relevant roles.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.