Instrumentation Technician

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 27 000 - 30 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an Instrumentation Technician to support the School of Engineering's teaching and research activities. The successful candidate will manage laboratory operations, train users on lab techniques, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. Essential qualifications include a Level 3 qualification in Electronic Engineering or Instrumentation and relevant technical experience. Join us for a fulfilling career with excellent benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Electronic Engineering or Instrumentation or equivalent relevant technical experience.
• Experience working in a technical role.
• Familiarity with electronic instrumentation tools.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory management and technical expertise.
• Monitor operation of laboratory equipment.
• Train staff and students in lab techniques.
• Maintain safety compliance in laboratory operations.

Skills

Relevant experience working in a similar technical role.

Experience with electronic instrumentation tools and equipment.

Understanding of health and safety procedures.

Demonstrated technical and problem-solving capability.

Proven written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to adapt to changes in an agile work environment.

Ability to contribute to the design of engineering activities.

Good organisation and attention to detail.

Education

Level 3 qualification in Electronic Engineering or Instrumentation

Job description

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: 08 December 2025

The Role

Working as part of a technical team you will support the teaching and research activities of the School of Engineering Marine Technology through the provision of laboratory management and technical expertise. The role will provide support for academic colleagues, research staff and students with technical advice to successfully progress research and teaching projects. Under the direction of the Technical Team Leader for your designated area you will support other technical staff within the team in maintaining all aspects of laboratory operations and provide instrumentation support for teaching and research activities.

Key Accountabilities

• Monitor the satisfactory operation of specific laboratory facilities and items of equipment and instrumentation; undertake fault diagnosis, testing, repair, calibration and preventative maintenance on equipment and instrumentation.
• Support the operation of the workshops and laboratories to ensure effective use and availability for teaching and research.
• Train and advise staff and students in appropriate lab techniques and good lab practice to ensure they can carry out their work in a safe manner.
• Identify consumable and equipment requirements and initiate their ordering according to the school and university purchasing procedures; keep financial records of any activities as directed by the Team Leader.
• Contribute to regular team meetings, health and safety meetings and workshop and laboratory audits.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures, including risk assessments, in conjunction with the Technical Team Leader and School Safety Officer; monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements.
• Consult with academic senior technical research staff and students to design, manufacture and construct electrical and electronic components and specialist one‑off test apparatus for use in the research and teaching laboratories.
• Test and diagnose equipment and apparatus using precision testing equipment; maintain up‑to‑date records.
• Perform any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

The Person

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Relevant experience working in a similar technical role.
• Experience of working in an electronic or instrumentation discipline using electronic instrumentation tools and equipment.
• Understanding of relevant health and safety procedures.
• Demonstrated technical and problem‑solving capability.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changes in an agile work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the design and specification of engineering activities.
• Good organisation and ability to meet deadlines with a proactive approach and attention to detail.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Flexible attitude to team tasks and priorities with a willingness to help others and share workloads; clear communication and updates on progress.
• Collaborative teamwork; a positive role within the team and ability to build relationships across the organisation where different skills, expertise and opinions are valued.
• Planned and structured work with good attention to detail.
• Ensures that all activities are completed on time and prioritises tasks accordingly, optimising resource use and maintaining high service standards.
• Strives to deliver high‑quality results by embracing change to deliver a reliable technical service.
• Adaptable with a willingness to adopt new ways of working and make improvements where required.
• Responsible for achieving personal targets and cooperates enthusiastically with others to support their activities, ensuring others understand processes and systems in their area.

Qualifications Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Electronic Engineering or Instrumentation or equivalent relevant technical experience.

Salary: 27319.00 - 29588.00 per annum

Employment Type: Full‑Time

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, celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and encourage applications from individuals who complement our existing teams.

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 toward tackling race inequality in higher education (REC). We are a 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.

Instrumentation Technician • Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa