About the role
The successful candidate will support the delivery of high‑quality technical services within a dynamic, well‑equipped mechanical engineering workshop. They will contribute to the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of mechanical systems, student projects, research rigs and bespoke laboratory equipment, ensuring all outputs meet specification, function reliably and effectively support teaching and research.
Working as part of a team of engineers, the role involves developing technical expertise under supervision, taking increasing responsibility for projects, and supporting wider departmental priorities such as laboratory refurbishments and time‑critical initiatives. Although employed by the Chemistry Department, the post holder will be based in Mechanical Engineering, reporting operationally to the Mechanical Engineering Workshop Manager and professionally to the Chemistry Departmental Manager. Training opportunities, including UCL mid‑career apprenticeships, will support ongoing development and the enhancement of workshop capability.
Key responsibilities include planning, designing and constructing equipment for teaching and research; providing cost and time estimates; and offering guidance on design, material selection and manufacturability. The post holder will operate manual machinery, use 3D CAD software, programme and run CNC equipment, produce high‑precision components from a range of materials and support other technicians in CAD/CAM and CNC processes. They will also maintain workshop equipment, manage electronic project data, monitor stock levels, and provide post‑manufacture adjustments to ensure research objectives are met.
Health and safety responsibilities include following all relevant procedures, advising students and junior staff on safe mechanical practice, completing workshop housekeeping, maintaining awareness of UCL safety regulations and supporting departmental compliance activities such as fire marshal or first‑aid duties.
The post holder is expected to uphold UCL’s Ways of Working, support sustainability objectives and carry out any additional duties appropriate to the role. The job description may be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder.
About you
We are keen to receive applications from candidates with a solid engineering background, gained through an HND/HNC, Level 4 NVQ, or a recognised apprenticeship. You’re confident interpreting engineering drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions, and you have a good understanding of everyday workshop practice.
You will bring practical experience of precision manufacturing in a production setting, using a wide range of tools, machinery, and materials. You’re skilled with manual workshop equipment and competent in fitting and assembly work. You’re also comfortable using CAD software such as Fusion and programming CNC machines with CAM tools like Mastercam or similar, including conversational controls such as Siemens D or ProtoTRAK.
You manage your workload well, work independently, and take pride in producing high‑quality results on time. You also understand the importance of health and safety, know how to follow procedures and risk assessments, and are willing to complete any training required for the role.
Just as importantly, you enjoy supporting students on practical projects—showing them how to use tools safely, guiding their hands‑on work, and taking the lead on health, safety, and fire procedures when needed. Strong written and verbal communication skills will help you share ideas, solve technical challenges, and contribute to the creation of bespoke components and assemblies.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
1. 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
2. Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
3. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
4. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
5. Immigration loan
6. Relocation scheme for certain posts
7. On-Site nursery
8. On-site gym
9. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
10. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
11. Discounted medical insurance