Assistant Technician (Mechanical Engineering)

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The Faculty of Science is one of the four faculties at Durham University, based across 8 academic departments, 7 research institutes, and 28 research centres, and supports the Natural Sciences Department, the home of multidisciplinary science education at DU. The post holder will provide comprehensive technical and engineering support to the eight departments within the Faculty of Science and the wider University, working from within the Mechanical Engineering Services workshops. The role will involve contributing to the effective delivery of teaching and research activities by supporting the day-to-day operation of technical functions across the faculty.

Working as part of a large, collaborative technical team operating across two workshop locations in the Physics and Engineering departments, the post holder will deliver high quality mechanical technical support to a wide range of academic staff, researchers, and students. Key responsibilities will include the design, construction, and machining of bespoke equipment and components using a variety of machines such as millers and lathes and other technologies to support research and teaching projects. The post holder will make extensive use of computer aided design software and associated technologies, including the programming and operation of CNC machinery, to manufacture precision components in accordance with project requirements. The role requires a proactive and flexible approach, contributing to the continuous improvement of workshop services and ensuring that technical support is delivered efficiently, safely, and to a high professional standard in line with university policies and procedures.

Whilst undertaking the role, the postholder will undertake a fully funded Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship via an external training provider in an engineering discipline relevant to the role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply:

• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• Must hold a recognised Level 3 qualification in mechanical engineering having successfully completed a relevant T-Level course or served a recognised mechanical engineering apprenticeship.
• Must be eligible to enrol for a role relevant mechanical engineering degree apprenticeship to be delivered by an external provider on behalf of the University.
• Experience of working in a technical environment setting up resources, tools and equipment with experience of a variety of precision mechanical engineering machines.
• Experience of working in a team.
• Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
• Good spoken and written communication skills.
• Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems etc.
• Committed to training/continuing professional development.
• Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.
• Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers.
• An understanding of the need to work within Health & Safety guidelines and policies, and an understanding of the essentials of good workshop practices.

Experience working within a higher education environment, with a strong understanding of the operational and technical requirements of teaching, research, and academic facilities, ensuring that mechanical engineering systems effectively support and meet the needs of these activities.

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate:

• Provide an excellent and timely service to all stakeholders.
• Gather and collate data and information for others to use for evaluation and decision making.
• Apply skills and techniques to operate and use a range of everyday task or job specific equipment, tools and resources.
• Follow established procedures when carrying out your role, varying when necessary or referring to more senior colleagues.
• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately for use by others.
• When carrying out your role, apply relevant industry and regulatory standards while ensuring that at all times health and safety procedures and practices within workshops are followed.
• Provide help and guidance to staff and students relating to various mechanical processes or techniques for experimental purposes.
• Help to move, set-up and maintain any facilities, equipment or tools.
• Help team members with the setting up and operation of a range of standard tools and equipment.
• Assist team members to design/manufacture components and equipment for use in teaching and research using a range of hand tools, machine tools, materials and techniques, under the supervision of more experienced staff.
• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service, e.g., manual handling / lifting tasks, teaching of mechanical design and workshop procedures.
• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team on operational matters to help achieve shared objectives.
• Liaise with representatives from other teams and service areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
• Help team members carry out and record annual maintenance checks and update risk assessments.
• Maintain, repair, test and adjust workshop equipment, including Portable Appliance Testing of all workshop’s electrical appliances, under the guidance of more experienced staff.
• Help carry out stock and inventory checks.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. Follow established procedures to respond to queries and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members. Respond to routine queries from external suppliers, contractors, contacts, professional bodies where necessary.