Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop Manager

The Department of Physics is looking to recruit a Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop Manager. The Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop provides design and manufacturing support for the Department’s research experiments, and the postholder will be responsible for all aspects of the facility’s management and provisioning; this includes budgeting, Workplace Health & Safety, scheduling, quality checking and any subcontracting. The postholder will liaise directly with research staff and students, contributing expert knowledge, innovation and creativity to research activities. The postholder will supervise the workshop’s core team of technicians and hold responsibility for their recruitment, performance and development. They will also have oversight of the local apprentice tutors, providing a safe working environment for apprentices while on rotation in the Department of Physics., The role will be to run the Mechanical Instrumentation Workshop, providing facilities to researchers and technicians. You will review and prioritise workshop requests, managing requirements, scheduling and any charging of work where necessary, and you will provide troubleshooting and quality checking to ensure timely and economical delivery of research neds. You will serve as a technical expert for research staff and students to solve workshop requests and advise on complex design and manufacture needs, including keeping abreast of advancements in relevant equipment and techniques. Alongside constant development of the facility – upskilling, investing in new technology and project manging of any installations and upgrades – you will act as the manager of the workshop, supervising the core team of technicians and serving as lead tutor for mechanical apprentice technicians. You will support relevant teaching activities and represent the workshop on necessary working groups and committees

We are looking for an individual with experience in mechanical engineering with the following attributes:

• Educated via apprenticeship and/or BTEC/HNC qualification in Mechanical Engineering or hold equivalent experience.

• Substantial experience working in a mechanical workshop or equivalent, with knowledge of design and production; CADCAM; CNC production methods in turning, milling and EDM wire erosion; and operation of general workshop manual machine tools

• Thorough knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety regulations and demonstrable good practice

• Experience with procurement of goods and services within a research or engineering environment.

• Experience working in a Higher Education, University, Industrial R&D or similar environment.

• Experience of line managing staff and their development.

• Ability to assess and change priorities as requirements and deadlines evolve, organising your own work with minimal supervision.

• A creative, analytical and technical approach to problem solving.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction in key working relationships and the ability to deal with a wide range of people, understanding, conceptualising and interpreting their requirements.

• Computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the Internet.

• Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times.

• The opportunity to join an award-winning technical team within a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.

• A chance to pass on your knowledge to the next generation of physicists, inspiring them to greatness.

• Access to modern and high-quality equipment to carry out your role.

• A chance to work closely with academics and support staff within the Department of Physics and the wider university to achieve your goals.

• Develop in your role with access to learning and development opportunities.

• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

• Gain access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme.

All queries to Paul Brown p.l.brown@imperial.ac.uk, If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don’t hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We’re here to help.