Mechanical Workshop Technician/Senior Technician in Edinburgh

A mechanical workshop technician is required to provide support for teaching and research as part of a large team of 12 technical staff. The mechanical workshop has a range of machinery including conventional workshop equipment (lathes, mills etc.), CNC machines, 3D printers and other tooling. The role holder is required to aid design, construct, adapt, repair, and maintain precision mechanical devices, electro-mechanical and optical equipment. You will also assist with the setting up and running of training classes for undergraduate and postgraduate students and have a range of other duties within the Workshop.

The successful candidate should have previous experience gained in a busy engineering research, teaching or commercial environment and possess a proven track record of problem solving. The role holder’s main responsibilities will be to provide high quality technical support for research and teaching activities in the school of EPS working as part of the Mechanical Workshop team. Fulfilment of duties will require the role holder to possess time served knowledge of various standard machining techniques and processes. CNC manufacturing techniques along with a proven track record of problem solving and decision making. Further experience in the production/fabrication of rigs and process equipment would also be an advantage. The post includes the day-to-day responsibility for all aspects related to health and safety of staff and students within the workshop areas.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate machinery including CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, CNC laser cutters.
• Operate standard mills, lathes, grinders, welding equipment, hydraulic presses, drills, 3D printers, and tooling to manufacture components to a high standard for teaching and research projects with minimum supervision.
• Provide support in machining techniques and processes to undergraduate students during labs, also answering any questions they have about any of the processes.
• Assist in training sessions which will allow students to use the workshop machinery/equipment safely and correctly.
• Provide technical support to staff and students on the design of equipment, offering ideas and solutions where possible.
• Identify and rectify any problems with experimental equipment and/or rigs.
• Working from the drawings and CAD files provided by members of the research groups to undertake the manufacture of equipment for use in research and teaching projects.
• Maintain and service equipment in the workshop, inform workshop supervisor of stock levels.
• Engage in a process of continuous learning and development, acquiring new skills.
• Keep work areas tidy and in good order.
• Work with due care and diligence according to the requirements of Health and Safety, quality and other standards and directions relevant to the assigned task.
• Instruct on the safe use of equipment and complete COSHH and risk assessments as required and adhere to these throughout working practice.
• Work closely with other technical staff and share specialist knowledge when relevant.
• Record working time on job sheets and complete any other necessary administrative duties for the effective running of the workshop.
• Participate in the school PDR process and undertake training, as necessary.
• Any other tasks that are commensurate with grading of the post.

Education, Qualifications and Experience:

• Educated to SCQF Level 7-8, HNC/HND or equivalent in mechanical engineering.
• Completion of a recognised mechanical workshop apprenticeship plus ideally 3-5 years’ post-qualification work experience.
• Substantial experience of working with CNC machines.
• Knowledge of CAD drawing facilities and mechanical design skills including coding, and programming CNC machines.
• Experience of a broad spectrum of machine tool use including lathes, milling machines and drilling machines.
• Experience of problem solving.
• Good understanding of health & safety regulations and procedures and experience of Risk Assessment.
• Able to work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team planning, team communication, and organisational skills.
• Some manual handling will be involved requiring fitness and physical effort.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.

Desirable:

• Experience of teaching and managing a class of students, including strong interpersonal skills, pedagogic knowledge, and an ability to provide clear feedback and advice.
• Experience of laser cutting, 3D printing, small hand tools etc.
• Experience of risk assessment, COSHH, Safe Systems of Work and lasers.
• An aptitude for IT.

How to Apply:

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Applications can be submitted until midnight on Thursday 23rd July 2026. We anticipate shortlisting to be complete by 31st July and interviews to commence from 03 August.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of 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 all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.