Senior Technician Jewellery

Overview

Birmingham City University is recruiting for Senior Technicians in Jewellery disciplines. We have four full-time, permanent positions available. The starting salary is normally £35,331 per annum, with progression to £39,002 per annum. Grade: E.

As a teaching-intensive university, our courses are rooted in practice-based learning, with emphasis on demonstrations, skill delivery and technical training to support students in labs, workshops and studios. There is also emphasis on research and enterprise activity within our strategy for 2030 and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with academic colleagues to shape the delivery of practical hands-on learning experiences for students on specialist programmes.
• Support students in the production of high-quality outcomes while maintaining safe and efficient workshop, lab and studio environments.
• Demonstrate, deliver technical training and provide instruction to students.
• Carry out tasks related to the running of the facility, including training, equipment maintenance, scheduling servicing, and ordering materials.
• Manage bookings for appointments and demonstrations, and create and review health and safety documentation.
• Ensure equipment loans are managed and stock levels are recorded.
• Promote sustainable working methods and resource use and inspire workshop use across the faculty.
• Utilise a range of common and specialised software relevant to jewellery production.

Role focus areas

• Jewellery Making – craft excellence, material experimentation, silversmithing, traditional bench skills, stone setting, laser welding and polishing.
• Jewellery Machining – machining on equipment such as lathes and milling machines with jewellery or horology focus; maintaining traditional workshop machinery.
• Jewellery CAD/CAM – digital design and digital making for jewellery; software such as SolidWorks, MatrixGold, Rhino; experience with 3D printing and CNC processes.
• Jewellery Processes – knowledge of traditional and hazardous processes (plating, casting, enamelling) with COSHH awareness.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate should be qualified to degree level in a relevant subject (or equivalent combination of qualifications, skills and experience) and have substantial practical jewellery production experience. Strong communication skills and the ability to impart technical knowledge to individuals and small groups are essential. Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and familiarity with Asset Management software and online communication tools.

Essential Experience

Senior Technician – Jewellery Machining: proven experience operating and maintaining manual engineering machinery (lathes, milling machines, drills, and related equipment).

Senior Technician – Jewellery CAD/CAM: advanced knowledge of 2D/3D design software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, MatrixGold) for manufacture.

Senior Technician – Jewellery Making: proven experience producing high-quality jewellery using traditional bench skills.

Senior Technician – Jewellery Processes: strong practical knowledge of traditional and modern casting techniques, wax preparation, mould making, metal melting and pouring.

Desirable

• Knowledge of CAD software including Rhino and MatrixGold.
• COSHH qualification.
• IOSH/NEBOSH qualification.

Additional information

Interviews will include a practical skills task and a formal Q&A. Portfolios or physical samples of work are encouraged. For further information, contact: Courtney.Cornelius@bcu.ac.uk.

Note: The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited. LGPS eligibility may apply as described in the posting.