Technician - Engineering

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan silver awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive.

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology is looking for an enthusiastic Engineering Technician to join our collaborative technical team. In this versatile frontline role, you will help run, maintain, and develop our multi-disciplinary facilities—spanning Electronics, Robotics, CAD/CAM, Rapid Prototyping, Materials & Mechanics, Renewable Energy, and Fluids & Thermodynamics.

Working under the direction of technical managers and specialist leads, you will play a key part in delivering high-quality teaching environments, guiding students through practical projects, and demonstrating live engineering setups during outreach events.

Core responsibilities include:

Taught Session Preparation & Turnaround: Set up, test, configure, and dismantle specialized engineering apparatus, rigs, and consumables for undergraduate and postgraduate practical sessions.

Student Project Guidance: Provide hands-on advice and practical support for individual and group design projects, helping students with CAD/CAM, 3D printing, laser cutting, PCB fabrication, and mechanical/electronic assembly.

Procurement & Stock Control: Run an organized parts-ordering and distribution service for project teams, sourcing specialist components and managing workshop consumable stock levels.

Outreach & Event Demonstration: Set up and present interactive, live technical demonstrations of engineering equipment for prospective students and visitors during University Open Days and outreach events.

Maintenance & Fault-Finding: Maintain, modify, repair, and troubleshoot technical equipment and rigs, working independently or alongside specialist service engineers.

Safety & Operations: Ensure all work areas adhere strictly to departmental safety protocols, COSHH, and risk assessments.

Inter-Site Logistics: Safely transport specialized equipment and test rigs across campus locations to support shared teaching needs.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed:

- HNC, HND, undergraduate degree, or equivalent practical experience.
- Background working within a technical team in an Engineering, Physical Science, or technology environment.
- Practical familiarity with electronic test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators) and experience constructing, fault-finding, or maintaining electrical/electronic hardware.

The University particularly encourages applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. As a Disability Confident employer, a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum essential criteria will be offered an interview.