Senior Mechanical Workshop Technician at the University of Cambridge

Department/location

Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy

Salary

£31,236-£35,608

Reference

LJ49069

Category

Assistant staff

Closing date

9 May 2026

The Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy invites applications for a Senior Mechanical Workshop Technician.

Are you a skilled Senior Mechanical Workshop Technician or a developing Mechanical Workshop Technician looking for your next step? Join our dynamic team in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, where you'll play a pivotal role in advancing engineering services to support cutting-edge academic and research projects.

Position Overview: As a Senior Mechanical Workshop Technician, you will be responsible for constructing, modifying, and maintaining mechanical apparatus and equipment for our departmental teaching and research needs. You will collaborate closely with academic, research, and technical staff within and outside the department, providing expertise in mechanical design, materials selection, and machining techniques.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apparatus Construction & Modification: Fabricate and alter research and teaching apparatus from verbal instructions, sketches, and technical drawings using workshop equipment such as centre lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, and CNC machinery.

• Engineering Support: Deliver comprehensive engineering services, including drilling, turning, milling, and grinding for various materials. Advise staff on design and construction methods tailored to unique research requirements.

• Materials & Machining Expertise: Apply your knowledge of material properties to select appropriate materials and machining methods, including high-vacuum welding, brazing, soldering, and MIG/TIG welding.

• Maintenance & Repairs: Oversee the servicing and repair of workshop equipment, providing input on replacements or refurbishments when necessary. Ensure workshop resources meet the needs of our academic staff and students.

• Guidance & Training: Support and instruct other technicians, researchers, and staff in workshop practices, especially in the absence of the Chief Mechanical Workshop Technician. Maintain high standards of health and safety.

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: You will independently plan, organise, and deliver products tailored to individual research and teaching needs. In collaboration with the Chief Mechanical Workshop Technician and colleagues, you'll assess technical feasibility and resolve any material or machining challenges, balancing time, cost, and safety considerations.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• BTEC/HNC/City & Guilds in Mechanical & Production Engineering or equivalent

• Recognized apprenticeship or equivalent training in engineering

• Welding experience would be beneficial

• Experience in an engineering environment

• Skilled in CNC setup, programming, and operation

• Strong communication and organisational abilities

• Basic computing skills

If you feel that you do not fully meet any criteria, we would still like to hear from you, we welcome applications from developing technicians looking for their next step. Full training from an expert team will be provided.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to world-class research and teaching in a renowned academic institution. You will be at the forefront of technical support, collaborating with experts in the field and playing an integral role in advancing scientific exploration.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Paul Nicholls, Chief Mechanical Workshop Technician, Email: pn299@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Luke Suckling, HR Coordinator, Email: hrmsm@msm.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LJ49069 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.