Maintenance Engineer in Oxford

At the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), we're on a mission to translate scientific discovery into real world impact. We bring together visionary scientists, technologists, engineers, researchers, educators and innovators to tackle humanity's greatest challenges in four transformative areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Climate Change & Managing CO².

This is ambitious work—work that demands curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to make a difference. At EIT, you'll join a community built on excellence, innovation, tenacity, trust, and collaboration, where bold ideas become real‑world breakthroughs. Together, we push boundaries, embrace complexity, and create solutions to scale ideas from lab to society.

Your Role

EIT is seeking highly skilled and versatile Maintenance Engineers to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, exceptional attention to detail, and a flexible approach to work. As part of the maintenance team, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of all mechanical, electrical, and building systems as well as a range of equipment onsite, including laboratory equipment. You will also be responsible for both routine and reactive maintenance and compliance of the buildings (including laboratories and office spaces). The role requires a proactive, hands‑on individual with the ability to respond swiftly to emergency maintenance issues and to work effectively with colleagues and external partners. You will be required to participate in an on‑call rota to provide support outside of standard working hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform planned preventative and reactive maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and building systems to ensure maximum operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain equipment, machinery, and facilities, identifying issues and providing timely, effective solutions.
• Ensure all maintenance work complies with relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards.
• Maintain detailed records of all maintenance activities, including equipment inspections, repairs, and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with other teams and departments to identify maintenance needs and improve operational efficiency.
• Participate in the on‑call rota, providing out‑of‑hours emergency support when required.
• Assist with the installation, modification, or commissioning of new systems and equipment as needed.
• Actively monitor equipment and building performance, conducting regular inspections to prevent downtime and to identify potential issues before they arise.
• Work proactively to ensure a safe and clean working environment for all employees.

Requirements

• A degree, apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Facilities Engineering, or a relevant technical qualification in electrical or mechanical engineering (e.g., City & Guilds, NVQ, or equivalent).
• A broad knowledge of mechanical and/or electrical systems.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment quickly and effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with other departments.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that maintenance tasks are completed to the highest standards.
• A flexible, can‑do attitude, willing to adapt to varying work demands and handle unexpected maintenance emergencies.
• Ability to work autonomously with good time‑management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to participate in the on‑call rota and respond to out‑of‑hours emergencies with a response time of up to an hour.
• A valid driver’s licence may be required, depending on the location.
• Experience within a lab environment and high‑end finish buildings.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of Building Management Systems (BMS) or other automated systems.
• Proficiency in using CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems) or similar maintenance software.
• Excellent knowledge of health, safety, and environmental compliance requirements.

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 (dependent on performance) + bonus + travel.
• Enhanced holiday pay.
• Pension.
• Life Assurance.
• Income Protection.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Hospital Cash Plan.
• Therapy Services.
• Perk Box.
• Electric Car Scheme.

Working Together - What It Involves

This is a fully office based position. You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford. During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.