Job Description

Ref Number

B04-06550

Professional Expertise

Laboratory Technical and Lab Support

Department

UCL BEAMS (B04)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

43,981-52,586

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Type

On site

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

19-Oct-2025

About us

------------


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 department's 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

Further information is available at https://mecheng.ucl.ac.uk/.

About the role

------------------


We're excited to be recruiting a

Senior CNC Machinist

to join the Workshop team in UCL's Mechanical Engineering department.



In this role, you'll contribute to a wide variety of projects--from 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. You'll also support the maintenance of our labs, working with equipment such as combustion engines, wave simulation tanks, and bespoke machinery--repairing faults and fabricating parts as needed.



To succeed, you'll need to manage mechanical engineering projects independently and efficiently, taking the lead once plans are in place. Collaboration is key in our department, so we're looking for someone approachable and team-oriented, ready to share advice and guidance through meetings, emails, and calls.



Strong communication skills are vital, as you'll be discussing sketches and early-stage designs with colleagues. Once you understand how a component or rig operates, you'll 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, you'll 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, we're 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, you'll advise students and staff on design and technical matters, support group assembly projects, and demonstrate safe tool use. In emergencies, you'll be expected to lead on health and safety and fire procedures. Clear communication is key--especially when explaining technical concepts to non-specialists.



FURTHER DETAILS


A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Taneta Darko at t.darko@ucl.ac.uk.

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

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

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 London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's 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 UCL's 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.