Technician/Senior Technician

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Applications must be submitted by midnight Tuesday 2 June 2026. Submit CV and cover letter via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment portal.

For further enquiries: John Mason, Senior Technical Services Manager, Heriot‑Watt University, email J.Mason@hw.ac.uk, telephone 0131 451 4074.

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.