Overview
Role: Senior Technician – Mechanical
Employer: Heriot-Watt University
Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £37,694 - £47,389 per annum
FTE and working pattern: 1.0 FTE, 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role
Candidates for the role are expected to have a high level of skill in the use of a wide range of machining tools and fabrication techniques. Creativity and accuracy are vital as much of the work involves translating theoretical ideas into practical solutions in facilities that operate at high pressure and temperatures. The post will involve working between a number of research laboratories and a technical workshop. The role-holder reports to the Senior Technical Services Manager.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Design, produce and install specialised bespoke equipment
* Investigate novel techniques, materials, etc. to enable required research conditions to be established
* Maintain experimental apparatus and equipment used in research laboratories
* Identify reasons for apparatus and equipment not functioning as desired and implement corrective action
* Liaise with research staff to ensure effective support for the research groups’ activities
* Liaise with external equipment/material manufacturers regarding specification, suitability and any alterations required to equipment to ensure it meets all relevant standards prior to arrival on-site
* Work closely with all members of staff including academic staff, PhD students, Scientific Officers, laboratory technicians and other members of technical services
* Report to research team meetings on the status of ongoing design, construction and maintenance activities
* Ensure that health and safety and risk assessment procedures are adhered to in all activities
* Assist Senior Technical Services Manager, Technical Services Manager and other colleagues with general building housekeeping including safety, estates and maintenance
Essential & Desirable Criteria
* Educated to SCQF Level 7-8 (HNC/HND) or an Apprenticeship in a relevant subject plus ideally at least 5 years’ post-qualification work experience in a relevant role; or the equivalent comparable relevant work experience
* Experience of working with CNC machining and programming
* Experience of working with manual milling and lathe machines
* Competent in the use of relevant IT packages e.g. Autodesk Inventor and CAM
* Experience in designing and developing apparatus and equipment, preferably in a research environment
* Ability to take a creative approach to coming up with solutions to meet research needs
* Experience of maintenance and fault finding of equipment
* Ability to communicate effectively with academic and technical colleagues, students, external suppliers and industrial sponsors
* Good understanding of health and safety regulations and procedures and experience of risk assessment
* Ability to work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team
* Some manual handling will be involved requiring fitness and physical effort
* Desirable: Experience of welding
* Desirable: Experience of 3D modelling
* Desirable: Experience of working with pressure vessels, high temperature and high-pressure systems
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 26 October 2025. Please submit your CV and covering letter via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment portal. We welcome flexible working patterns (e.g., part-time and job-share options).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to creating an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the basis of merit and abilities. Equality and diversity are about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. The university values diversity and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, see the university website: hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and our Disability Inclusive Science Careers initiative at disc.hw.ac.uk. Use our total rewards calculator at hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
About the Team
The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society seeks to appoint a Senior Technician (Mechanical) to provide design, construction and fabrication support in the production and maintenance of specialised bespoke laboratory equipment. The role will support research groups within the Institute of Geoenergy Engineering (IGE) and collaborate with external industry partners. IGE is recognised internationally as a leading centre of excellence in petroleum engineering and petroleum geosciences.
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University values collaboration, inclusivity and enterprise. Our research aims to deliver real-world impact and is supported by a diverse international community. We offer a flexible working environment to help staff balance work and life commitments.
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