At a Glance
- Tasks: Support civil and mechanical engineering labs, assist with research projects and practical classes.
- Company: Join a vibrant School of Engineering at a leading university.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension schemes, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29588 - 33951 € per year.
The School of Engineering is seeking to appoint a versatile and enthusiastic Support Technician to join its skilled Technical Services team of ca. 35 technical staff. The appointee will be primarily responsible for delivery of technical services and support to the huge variety of teaching and research activity within the School. In particular, it is expected for the post holder to support the School’s civil and mechanical engineering laboratories, assisting with the delivery of research projects and practical lab classes for undergraduate students.
The post-holder will contribute to the safe and efficient running of laboratory and workshop areas, including through routine servicing and maintenance of equipment, Health & Safety implementation within labs and workshops, and the transfer of knowledge and practical skills to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as staff (including technicians and modern apprentices).
The civil and mechanical engineering teaching and research laboratories support a wide variety of topics. The labs have highly specialised equipment as well as maintaining a good range of hand tools and a stock of various components and materials to support project builds and equipment repair. The School’s workshop facilities, which the postholder will have access to, include various items of manufacturing and fabrication equipment, such as pillar drills, 3D printers, guillotines, computer numerical control (CNC) router and press brake, laser cutters, and MIG and TIG welding plants.
The successful candidate should therefore demonstrate good H&S awareness and familiarity with H&S documentation (e.g., risk assessments, COSHH). While it is not expected for the post holder to be familiar with all of the equipment and apparatus listed above, they should have a multi-disciplinary skillset and be eager and willing to learn. An interest in knowledge transfer and the Continuous Professional Development of themselves and others would be beneficial.
With extensive work experience in a relevant engineering environment and with qualifications in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., recognised apprenticeship, S/NVQ, O/HNC) the post holder will have proven technical abilities. Given the scope of the role, a varied skillset is essential which might include: civil and/or mechanical engineering, structural testing, materials science, additive manufacturing, fabrication, thermal joining, machining, analytical instrumentation and technical drawing/CAD skills.
The role is customer facing and the School is a diverse and international community of staff and students. The post holder will therefore have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a strong commitment to service delivery.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Passion for engineering
- Good practical skills and experience
- Experience in technical fault-finding and problem solving
- Good awareness of health & safety regulations and procedures in a laboratory/workshop environment
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- A competitive salary
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives.
The University’s commitment to technicians: In September 2017 the University of Edinburgh signed the Technician Commitment, recognising the important role technicians play in research, teaching and student support. The University’s current Action Plan commits to supporting technicians across the University in four areas: visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability.
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion: The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 12 June 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.
Support Technician (civil & mechanical engineering) in Edinburgh employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers an exceptional work environment for Support Technicians in civil and mechanical engineering, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within a diverse international community. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and comprehensive staff benefits, alongside opportunities for continuous professional development and career advancement. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the University is dedicated to recognising and supporting the vital role of technicians in education and research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Technician (civil & mechanical engineering) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in civil and mechanical engineering, and think about how your skills can contribute. Show them you're not just another candidate; you're genuinely interested in what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, lab equipment, and problem-solving techniques. Being able to demonstrate your practical abilities during an interview can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community. So, get your CV and cover letter ready and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Technician (civil & mechanical engineering) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience in civil and mechanical engineering, and don’t forget to showcase those practical skills that make you stand out.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:This is your chance to show us your passion for engineering! Tailor your cover letter to the role, mentioning specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Support Technician position.
Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role is customer-facing, we want to see how you communicate! Use examples in your application that demonstrate your excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to service delivery.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your civil and mechanical engineering knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and techniques mentioned in the job description, like CNC routers and additive manufacturing. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also prepared to dive into the technical aspects.
✨Health & Safety First
Since the role involves working in labs and workshops, be ready to discuss health and safety regulations. Review common practices and be prepared to talk about how you would implement them. Showing that you prioritise safety will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
This position is customer-facing, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex ideas to others, especially in a teaching or mentoring context. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and commitment to knowledge transfer.
✨Be Eager to Learn
The job requires a multi-disciplinary skillset, so express your enthusiasm for continuous professional development. Share any experiences where you've taken the initiative to learn new skills or technologies. This will demonstrate your willingness to grow and adapt in a dynamic environment.
