UCL Mechanical Engineering has been pioneering the development of engineering education, having taught the core discipline for over 170 years. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) 96% of the departments research submitted in UoA12 was judged world leading or internationally excellent. At UCL Mechanical Engineering, we develop and apply core competencies to produce world-class research into a wide range of engineering challenges including:
Leading research into low carbon shipping
Designing the greenest engines and novel sustainable fuels
Biomechanical research
Development and testing of new and unique materials
About the role Were excited to be recruiting a Senior CNC Machinist to join the Workshop team in UCLs Mechanical Engineering department.
In this role, youll contribute to a wide variety of projectsfrom student work and research experiments to the manufacture and installation of custom rigs and components.
Your expertise in programming, setting, and operating CNC turning and milling centres will be essential. Youll also support the maintenance of our labs, working with equipment such as combustion engines, wave simulation tanks, and bespoke machineryrepairing faults and fabricating parts as needed.
To succeed, youll need to manage mechanical engineering projects independently and efficiently, taking the lead once plans are in place. Collaboration is key in our department, so were looking for someone approachable and team-oriented, ready to share advice and guidance through meetings, emails, and calls.
Strong communication skills are vital, as youll be discussing sketches and early-stage designs with colleagues. Once you understand how a component or rig operates, youll offer suggestions to improve manufacturability and reliability, helping refine designs before and after production.
About you We welcome applications from candidates who can manage their workload independently, take initiative, and consistently deliver high-quality work on time. It is essential that you have an Engineering ONC Level 4 NVQ or a recognised apprenticeship in a relevant field, plus substantial post-qualification experience, or extensive experience in a relevant engineering or technical role.
To thrive in this role, youll need:
Solid knowledge of engineering materials and their applications
Technical expertise in design and manufacturing engineering
Hands-on experience in precision manufacturing using various tools and materials
Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g. Fusion 360 or Catia)
Experience with CNC programming using CAM software and conversational controls (e.g. Siemens 828D, ProtoTRAK or equivalent)
Familiarity with Microsoft Word
Given the seniority of the role, were especially interested in candidates who bring creative problem-solving skills to bespoke components and assemblies. A strong understanding of Health and Safety regulations and their practical application is essential.
You should also have:
Experience with manual machinery, fitting and assembly
The ability to interpret engineering drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions
A good grasp of workshop principles and customer-focused thinking
As a Senior CNC Machinist, youll advise students and staff on design and technical matters, support group assembly projects, and demonstrate safe tool use. In emergencies, youll be expected to lead on health and safety and fire procedures. Clear communication is keyespecially when explaining technical concepts to non-specialists.
What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Additional 5 days annual leave purchase scheme
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
Immigration loan
Relocation scheme for certain posts
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. As Londons Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the worlds talent.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCLs workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
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