Technical Instructor in Motorsport Mechanical Engineering

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Technical Instructor to support the delivery and development of practical engineering activities within the College of Science and Engineering, with a particular focus on mechanical and motorsport disciplines. This exciting hands-on role will play a key part in supporting teaching, research, and industry-focused projects across a range of engineering laboratories and workshop environments.

The successful candidate will provide specialist technical expertise in vehicle dynamics, vehicle design, milling, turning, fabrication, and race vehicle preparation. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will be responsible for the setup, maintenance, and operation of race-prepared vehicles, including trackside support activities, while ensuring safe and effective use of engineering facilities and equipment.

As part of the technical team, you will support students and staff through the delivery of technical training, guidance, and practical demonstrations, helping to develop industry-relevant skills and knowledge. You will also contribute to the management of workshop resources, equipment maintenance, health and safety compliance, budget planning, and the continuous development of technical services across the College.

This role also involves collaboration with academic colleagues, supervision of practical activities, support for field trips and off-site teaching, and contributing to the development of innovative learning environments that prepare students for careers in engineering and motorsport sectors.

Principal Accountabilities:

To deliver formal technical skills instruction sessions, including handouts, to students in the use of resources, software and any relevant health and safety procedures, including ongoing informal assessment of student competence and effectiveness.

To assist with the management and deployment of the area's technical staff, where appropriate, ensuring the most effective use of technical resources.

Maintaining effective liaison with other senior technical advisors, academic and administrative staff to provide the best use of resources.

To develop and deliver appropriate schemes of instruction relevant to the resource area through close liaison with academic staff and Technical Team Leader.

Managing the organisation and maintenance of equipment and workshop spaces in the area including equipment asset registers and ensuring compliance with all relevant Health and Safety regulations and policies.

Providing technical assistance, student supervision and guidance as agreed with the line manager.

Providing input and advice on the forward planning of resources.

To assist and support research and knowledge transfer work by providing technical knowledge in appropriate resource areas.

Managing technical area budgets in accordance with the University's Financial Regulations.

Assisting in the selection, recruitment and induction of new technical staff in line with the University's Human Relations Policies and Procedures.

Ensuring the provision of appropriate training programmes for all staff.

Attending relevant committee meetings as agreed with the Technical Team Leader.

Participating in the University's Staff Development Review and engaging in personal staff development to ensure a current awareness of relevant technology.

Undertaking any other duties as required in agreement with the Technical Team Leader/Technical Manager. Deputising for the Technical Team Leader when required.

Supporting off-site field trips including residentials.

Driving equipment and persons to sites to support teaching and practical activities.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications: Degree in a related discipline, or equivalent experiential learning in a related subject. Full UK Manual Driving Licence.

Experience: Demonstrable experience of working within the motorsport industry/a motorsport environment. Demonstrable experience of metal fabrication including milling and turning. Experience of maintaining workshop/laboratory equipment. Experience in the operation of manual machine tools. Experience of working to Health and Safety regulations.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Ability to plan and monitor own workload operating both alone and as part of a team. Demonstrable high level of organisational and practical skills. Ability to train and supervise students and researchers in the correct and safe use of equipment, with excellent communication skills. Ability to produce technical drawings with 2D and 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Ability to demonstrate tasks/processes to individuals and small groups. Full understanding of safety relating to both machine shop and vehicle activities. Able to write and develop risk assessments and Health and Safety documentation relating to activities. Ability to fault diagnose and carry out repairs and maintenance.

Business Requirements: Ability to travel to offsite locations. There will be limited evening and weekend work associated with this post. Attend field trips or otherwise as agreed in advance with the Technical Team Leader.

Desirable Criteria:

Experience: Experience in testing of materials and/or components. Proven experience of working within a teaching technician role or teaching laboratory. Experience of participation in competitions such as Formula Student and Shell Eco Marathon. Practical experience with MIG/TIG welding techniques. Experience of managing a team.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Demonstrable ability in repair and maintenance of automotive assemblies. Able to monitor technical standards across the resource area, highlighting and prioritising any issues for further investigation. Able to perform diagnosis and fault finding of equipment, techniques and procedures. Knowledge of material properties and testing techniques.

Benefits:

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata). Local Government Pension Scheme. Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers. Discounted onsite gym. Cycle to Work scheme. A flexible working environment. A commitment to personal and professional development.