At a Glance
- Tasks: Create bespoke components and prototypes for cutting-edge research in a high-precision workshop.
- Company: Join UCL's Department of Biochemical Engineering, a leader in innovation and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a pension scheme, and access to on-site facilities like a gym and nursery.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research while developing your engineering skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical or precision engineering and familiarity with CNC and CAD technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Department of Biochemical Engineering at UCL is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Workshop Technician to join its High Precision Workshop. This role will support world‑leading research, teaching, and innovation activities through the manufacture of bespoke components, prototypes, and scientific equipment.
Working closely with academic staff, researchers, students, and technical colleagues, you will play a key role in delivering precision‑engineered solutions that support cutting‑edge research projects. You will be responsible for producing precision‑engineered components and assemblies using a range of manufacturing technologies, including manual and CNC milling and turning, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and additive manufacturing (3D printing).
The role involves manufacturing from engineering drawings and CAD models, supporting the design and development of bespoke research equipment, and carrying out assembly, modification, maintenance, and repair activities. You will also provide technical advice on manufacturing methods, materials, and design for manufacture, while ensuring workshop equipment is maintained and all work is carried out in accordance with UCL health and safety requirements.
You will have substantial experience within a mechanical engineering, manufacturing, or precision engineering environment and be confident operating both conventional and CNC machine tools. You will possess a strong understanding of engineering materials, manufacturing processes, tolerances, and quality standards, together with the ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
Experience with laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and 3D printing technologies is essential, while familiarity with CAD/CAM software and prototyping techniques would be advantageous. You will be a practical and proactive problem‑solver with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing high‑quality work. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively with academic staff, researchers, and students.
Applicants should hold a relevant engineering qualification, such as an apprenticeship, HNC/HND, NVQ, City & Guilds qualification, or possess equivalent industrial experience. Experience within a university, research, prototyping, or product development environment would be beneficial but is not essential.
What we offer:
- 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday, and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On‑site nursery
- On‑site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
For more information, see the UCL rewards and benefits page.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena Swan Gold award in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
