Mechanical Workshop Assistant in Oxford

As a Mechanical Workshop Assistant, you will play an important role in the day‑to‑day running of the workshop. You will help to maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment in accordance with University guidelines, and provide support in preparing materials and components for machining or assembly. This may include cutting, deburring, marking out, and other essential preparatory tasks under the guidance of senior technicians.

You will also assist with managing stock levels of raw materials and consumables, ensuring that supplies are replenished in a timely manner and that accurate records are kept. The role will involve supporting coolant and waste‑management processes in line with safety and environmental regulations, as well as operating basic workshop machinery—such as bandsaws and pillar drills—once the appropriate training has been completed.

You will contribute to the construction of prototypes, the assembly of experimental apparatus, and the installation of mechanical systems, working closely with engineers and technicians. In addition, you will help with routine checks and minor maintenance of workshop tools and equipment, reporting any faults or safety concerns to the Workshop Manager.

Clear and effective communication will be important, as you will act as a link between the shop floor and the Workshop Manager, updating them on progress, materials, and any issues affecting workflow. Record‑keeping will form part of your duties, particularly in relation to stock, equipment usage, and project tracking.

This full‑time, permanent position is based at the Denys Wilkinson Building (DWB) in Oxford. You will be required to complete relevant safety inductions and obtain certification for the use of workshop equipment as part of your training.

The Department of Physics at the University of Oxford is seeking a motivated and practical Mechanical Workshop Assistant to join the Mechanical Engineering Group (MEG). The MEG operates across two centrally located workshop sites and provides high‑quality mechanical engineering support for a diverse range of research projects within the University and through collaborations with international partners.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop hands‑on engineering and workshop skills within a professional, research‑focused environment. While previous experience in a mechanical or technical workshop would be helpful, full training will be provided for the right candidate.

You will be a practical, reliable, and safety‑conscious individual with a strong interest in mechanical engineering and a commitment to supporting high‑quality technical work. You should have excellent attention to detail, good organisational ability, and the capacity to work both independently and effectively as part of a busy technical team. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to maintaining a safe and efficient working environment are essential.

To succeed in this role, you should be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent), including Mathematics and English, and demonstrate a natural aptitude for mechanical or technical work. You will bring good organisational and time‑management skills, the ability to follow technical instructions accurately, and the capability to maintain detailed records. Strong interpersonal skills and competence with basic IT applications—such as email, spreadsheets, and databases—are also important, as is a positive, collaborative attitude with a clear focus on safety.

While not essential, it would be advantageous if you have experience working in a workshop, engineering, or manufacturing setting, or familiarity with workshop tools, machinery, and health and safety procedures. Experience handling materials, equipment, or mechanical assemblies would further strengthen your application. Forklift experience and a clean driving licence would also be considered beneficial.