At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching and research by operating advanced machinery and assisting students.
- Company: Join a leading university with a focus on engineering and physical sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' learning while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in mechanical engineering and experience with CNC machines required.
The predicted salary is between 26707 - 36636 € per year.
Role Information
- Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Salary: Grade 5 – £26,707 – £31,236 per annum / Grade 6 – £31,236 – £36,636 per annum (depending on experience)
- Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Open Ended
- Rewards and Benefits: 28 (G5) or 33 (G6) days annual leave, plus 9 building closed days for all full‑time staff
About the Team
A mechanical workshop technician will support teaching and research as part of a team of 12 technicians. The workshop has conventional equipment (lathes, mills), CNC machines, 3D printers and other tooling. Responsibilities include designing, constructing, adapting, repairing, and maintaining precision mechanical devices and electromechanical and optical equipment. The role also involves setting up and running training classes for undergraduate and postgraduate students and supporting other workshop duties.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, CNC laser cutters.
- Operate standard mills, lathes, grinders, welding equipment, hydraulic presses, drills, 3D printers and other tooling.
- Manufacture components for teaching and research projects with minimal supervision.
- Support undergraduate students in machining techniques during labs and answer process questions.
- Assist with training sessions, ensuring safe and correct use of machinery.
- Provide technical support to staff and students in equipment design and propose solutions.
- Identify and rectify problems with experimental equipment and rigs.
- Manufacture equipment from drawings and CAD files provided by research groups.
- Maintain and service workshop equipment; inform supervisor of stock levels.
- Engage in continuous learning and development, acquiring new skills.
- Maintain tidy work areas and follow health and safety, quality and other standards.
- Prepare and complete COSHH and risk assessments as required.
- Collaborate with other technical staff and share specialist knowledge.
- Record working time on job sheets and complete necessary administrative duties.
- Participate in the School PDR process and undertake training, as required.
- Handle other tasks commensurate with grading.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Educated to SCQF Level 7‑8, HNC/HND or equivalent in mechanical engineering.
- Completion of a recognised mechanical workshop apprenticeship plus 3‑5 years’ post‑qualification work experience.
- Substantial experience with CNC machines.
- Knowledge of CAD drawing facilities and mechanical design, including coding and programming CNC machines.
- Experience with lathes, milling machines, and drilling machines.
- Proven problem‑solving ability.
- Good understanding of health and safety regulations, risk assessment, and related procedures.
- Ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team, with strong planning, communication and organisational skills.
- Manual handling required; good fitness and physical effort.
Desirable
- Experience teaching and managing a class of students, with pedagogic skills and the ability to give clear feedback.
- Experience with laser cutting, 3D printing and small hand tools.
- Experience with risk assessment, COSHH, safe systems of work and lasers.
- Aptitude for IT.
Hours of Work
Full time, Monday to Friday, typically 8:30 am to 4:15 pm, average 35 hours per week. Occasional weekend work may be required for events. Flexibility may be needed as training programmes evolve.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by midnight Tuesday 2 June 2026. Submit CV and cover letter via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment portal.
Contact
For further enquiries: John Mason, Senior Technical Services Manager, Heriot‑Watt University, email J.Mason@hw.ac.uk, telephone 0131 451 4074.
Equality and Diversity
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to creating an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are essential in maximising potential and creating an inclusive culture for all.
Technician/Senior Technician in Midlothian employer: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation among its team of skilled technicians. With generous annual leave, opportunities for continuous professional development, and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to cutting-edge teaching and research in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician/Senior Technician in Midlothian
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the workshop or similar environments to get a feel for the equipment and processes. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you some great talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current technicians or professors in the field. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Brush up on your CNC machine skills and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Practising common tasks can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Technician/Senior Technician in Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that match the Technician/Senior Technician role. We want to see how your background in mechanical engineering and CNC operations aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to mention any teaching or mentoring experience you have, as that's a big plus for us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, highlight specific examples where you've successfully solved technical problems. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment portal. It's the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with the equipment mentioned in the job description, like CNC machines and 3D printers. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Whether it’s fixing a malfunctioning machine or improving a process, having specific instances ready will demonstrate your problem-solving ability and technical expertise.
✨Engage with Teaching Experience
If you have experience teaching or training others, highlight this during your interview. Discuss how you’ve communicated complex concepts to students and how you ensure safety and proper use of machinery in a workshop setting.
✨Understand Health and Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with health and safety standards relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented safety measures in past positions and how you would approach risk assessments in the workshop environment.
