At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide technical support for engineering programmes and manage workshop equipment.
- Company: Join the University of the West of Scotland, a leader in innovative education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while supporting students and research.
- Qualifications: Apprenticeship in engineering, HND or HNC, and mechanical workshop skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are presently inviting applications for the post of Mechanical Engineering Technician, which will primarily provide technical support to taught programmes, research and commercial activity within the Engineering disciplines. The post holder will be responsible for the provision of technical support ensuring the effective and efficient operation of a range of workshop and laboratory equipment. To deliver in this busy role you will have a broad-based knowledge of engineering equipment including the safe operation of engineering workshop machine tools. Additional in-house training will be provided as necessary. The successful applicant may be required to support general operations in other areas of the school to cover for absence and sick leave.
The successful candidate should have the following:
- Completed a recognized apprenticeship in relevant field.
- Hold an HND in Engineering or equivalent.
- Hold an HNC in appropriate subject obtained through apprenticeship.
- Have a broad range of mechanical workshop skills including manual and CNC machining work.
- Be flexible in approach to deal with varying workload and duties, working both independently and as part of a team as required.
- It would be advantageous to have some experience in using software packages such as Solid Works and 3D printing.
- Some knowledge in the operation of UTMs would also be advantageous.
- Commitment to delivering high quality teaching and supporting an outstanding student experience.
- Have a good understanding of Health and Safety practices.
- Have a working knowledge of basic IT.
University of the West of Scotland is a placemaking institution that is proud to be an integral part of its local communities, with a national and international reach: the University has four campuses in Scotland in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire and Paisley, as well as a campus in London Docklands. UWS has almost 100 international partnerships and its student community comprises more than 100 nationalities. UWS is committed to providing education opportunities for all, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. The University creates meaningful impact locally, nationally and globally through innovative learning and teaching, pioneering research, and transformative partnerships.
We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:
- 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays.
- An additional days leave on your birthday.
- Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme).
- A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance.
- Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers.
- Fitness facilities across our campuses.
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Professional, career and research development opportunities.
Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Interview Date: Monday 14th September 2026
Mechanical Engineering Technician in Paisley employer: University of the West of Scotland
The University of the West of Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment across its five campuses. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including generous leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, and access to health and wellbeing resources, UWS fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Join us in shaping the future of education and research while enjoying a flexible work-life balance and opportunities for professional development.
Contact Details:
University of the West of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Technician in Paisley
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like University of the West of Scotland.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like University of the West of Scotland love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of University of the West of Scotland and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Technician in Paisley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for University of the West of Scotland and the Mechanical Engineering Technician role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of the West of Scotland
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at University of the West of Scotland.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at University of the West of Scotland.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with University of the West of Scotland, making you a more appealing candidate.
