Engineering Workshop Technician

Your main responsibilities will include:  

• Work diligently to meet expected standards, applying quality control and assurance processes, especially in safety-critical outputs (e.g. electrical safety and chemical hazards). 

• Support analytical services (e.g. chemical analysis), field surveys, sampling, and observational networks, providing technical input to both laboratory and field-based work. 

• Deliver outputs efficiently and effectively, contributing to facilities, networks, analyses, designs, methods, reports, datasets, and publications. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across UKCEH to deliver a high-quality service and support team and organisational objectives. 

• Contribute to the development of new methods, equipment (hardware and software), or approaches, including prototyping designs where appropriate. 

• Follow procedures and instructions to ensure safe and appropriate working, while identifying opportunities for improvement and contributing to updating or developing processes. 

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of your work and wider team activities. 

• Communicate clearly to manage expectations and provide accurate information and explanations. 

• Apply relevant operating practices to support your own development and contribute to team objectives. 

We’re looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, applying sound judgement and recognising when to seek guidance. You’ll bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, using initiative and creativity to resolve technical challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. Well organised and adaptable, you will manage your time effectively while continuing to develop new skills to support a diverse and evolving range of activities. 

You’ll be a clear and confident communicator, able to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels and contribute to sharing the value of UKCEH’s work both internally and externally. With a commitment to continuous improvement, you will bring fresh ideas and play an active role in enhancing team processes, efficiency, and capability—helping us deliver high-quality, impactful outcomes. 

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 hands-on experience 

• Demonstrates strong technical aptitude and is comfortable working in a busy environment, with a high level of attention to detail 

• alongside a responsible, positive, can-do attitude.  

• Has a curious, problem-solving mindset and the confidence to use initiative.  

• Enjoys working in an agile setting, adapting to new techniques and approaches, including one-off or bespoke projects.  

• Brings an open-minded approach, with the ability to think creatively and beyond standard solutions.  

• Understands the importance of key stakeholders and funders, and how their work supports these relationships.  

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. 

Working for UKCEH is rewarding 

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...  

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? 

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.