Engineering Workshop Technician

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Workshop Technician to join our highly collaborative, research-focused engineering team based at our Head Office in Wallingford. As part of the wider Water and Climate Science team, you will play a key role in developing, maintaining and supporting the facilities and equipment that underpin our science. 

As a technical specialist, you will become part of a small, hands-on workshop team, developing leading-edge sensor systems, environmental monitoring networks, survey equipment and bespoke experimental apparatus to support a wide range of research objectives. Working across the full engineering lifecycle, you will interpret technical drawings, produce precision-machined components, and build fully tested electro-mechanical assemblies. Using conventional and CNC machining, welding, and fabrication techniques, you will translate complex designs into robust, field-ready solutions. 

You will work flexibly across disciplines, contributing to electro-mechanical construction, wiring, installation, servicing, and maintenance of equipment. This will include supporting deployments to remote field sites, where reliability, adaptability and problem-solving are essential. Through this work, you will contribute to nationally significant initiatives such as: UKCEH AMI, COSMOS-UK , DELTA, Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) and AgZero - helping us to deliver the data, insight and innovation needed to protect communities, inform policy and safeguard the environment. 

Your main responsibilities will include:  

• Working closely with scientists and researchers to design and build research-grade instruments and bespoke experimental systems 

• Producing machined parts and fully tested electro-mechanical assemblies from technical drawings 

• Operating conventional manual and CNC lathes, milling machines, , welding equipment and other workshop machinery 

• Working flexibly across engineering disciplines, including electro-mechanical construction, wiring, installation, servicing and maintenance of equipment, both in the workshop and at remote field sites 

• Supporting procurement activities and maintaining accurate workshop records and documentation 

This role offers exceptional variety and hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. From workshop-based fabrication and prototyping to field support and technical problem-solving, your work will directly enable high-quality environmental research. You will join a supportive and passionate team where your practical skills, attention to detail and proactive approach will be valued, and where you can make a meaningful contribution to delivering safe, efficient and effective operations. 

We are looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, applying sound judgement and knowing when to seek guidance. You will bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, using initiative and creativity to resolve technical challenges and identify improvements. Well organised and adaptable, you will manage your time effectively while continuing to build your skills across a diverse range of activities. You will be a clear communicator who can build strong relationships with colleagues and contribute positively to team culture, while also supporting the wider impact and visibility of UKCEH’s work. 

For the role of Engineering Workshop Technician, we’re looking for someone who: 
 

• Holds a relevant technical qualification (BTEC Level 3–7) or brings equivalent experience 

• Has a strong understanding of materials, mechanical engineering principles, and engineering tolerances, limits and fits, with the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical workshop environment 

• Brings hands-on experience working in a machine shop, ideally supported by a modern or time-served apprenticeship 

• Is excited by the integration of mechanics and electronics, with an interest in mechatronics and emerging engineering technologies 

• Has experience building and fault-finding electro-mechanical assemblies, such as sensor wiring and circuit diagnostics 

• Takes pride in precision and continuous improvement, with a solutions-focused mindset 

• Works collaboratively, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive, hands-on engineering culture 

• Is adaptable and comfortable working on a range of projects, using initiative to solve problems 

• Is well organised, proactive and able to manage time effectively across varied tasks 

• Demonstrates a solid understanding of workshop health and safety practices  

• Holds a full UK manual driving licence, and is comfortable to work outdoors and travel to field sites across the UK, including occasional overnight stays, 

• Is comfortable moving and handling heavy or awkward equipment between vehicles and sites (reasonable adjustments available where needed) 

Desirable Knowledge & Skills: 

• A good understanding of applied engineering principles, materials and manufacturing techniques 

• Experience of CNC machining with a passion for precision engineering  

• An interest in sensors, instrumentation, electronics or IoT technologies 

• Experience using 3D printing for prototyping 

• Awareness of quality systems such as ISO9001 

• Experience with Raspberry Pi and/or Arduino 

If you are experienced at producing bespoke, scientific research field and lab equipment, we would like to hear from you! 

Apply Today – Supporting Statement Questions  

If this role excites you and aligns with your career goals, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with responses to the supporting questions below. Your answers should clearly demonstrate the qualifications, skills, and experience most relevant to the role. 

Please provide responses of up to 150 words per question, using specific examples to highlight your personal contribution and impact. We do not require a separate cover letter. 

• Describe a time where you've solved an engineering problem, from conception to installation / deployment. 

• Describe your experience operating manual milling machines and lathes. What types of components/parts have you produced? 

• What materials have you worked with milling and turning, and how did you adapt your machining approach for each? 

Working for UKCEH is rewarding 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years. 

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as: 

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure    

• 10% employer pension contribution   

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)  

• Peer reward and recognition scheme  

• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal 

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave   

• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...  

Our Commitment to Inclusion 

At UKCEH, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities, and we’re happy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us know. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.