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.

You will have 3-5 years post-apprentice experience in a workshop environment - not necessarily in a teaching or research context – have a good attention to detail and experience with a broad range of materials and manufacturing processes. You should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact positively with a broad range of people.

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.
• Work 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.
• 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.

Hours of Work

Fulltime - Monday – Friday, hours as required. The Role holder will be expected to be flexible in the hours worked normally 8:30am to 4:15pm Monday to Friday working on average 35 hours per week. Occasional work at weekends may be required for Open Days, student events etc.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight on Tuesday 2nd June 2026. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment.