Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Chief Workshop Technician

Cambridge
6 months ago
Applications closed

Location: Cambridge (CB2)

Duration: Permanent

Hours: 37.75 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: £30800 - £35000, generous pension and annual leave entitlement

Job Reference: 35681

Our prestigious client is looking to appoint a Chief Workshop Technician to work in Central Cambridge. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced technician or senior workshop engineer with a background in mechanical engineering, materials science or a related field to work in a dynamic environment supporting innovative R&D.

This role offers a high level of autonomy and hands-on technical involvement, from fabricating bespoke experimental rigs to training colleagues and maintaining specialist lab equipment. You'll also play a key role in ensuring lab safety, developing test methods and supporting new research projects.

The Role

As Chief Workshop Technician, your responsibilities will include:

  • Designing, developing and modifying mechanical rigs and experimental setups.

  • Advising researchers and students on experimental design, materials testing and engineering methods.

  • Fabricating custom mechanical components using manual machining and workshop tools.

  • Managing lab safety, performing risk assessments and training new users on procedures.

  • Maintaining and repairing lab equipment, liaising with external service providers as needed.

  • Monitoring laboratory supplies, managing inventory and placing equipment and consumables orders.

  • Providing technical support to colleagues.

    About You

    The ideal candidate will have:

  • A qualification equivalent to HND/HNC or Level 4/5 vocational certification or equivalent practical experience.

  • A solid background in mechanical engineering, with hands-on experience in experimental setup and component fabrication.

  • Experience using manual machining tools and working in a workshop/lab environment.

  • Excellent understanding of lab health and safety regulations.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in providing training or guidance to colleagues at all levels.

  • High levels of manual dexterity and precision.

    Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Materials Science Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK materials science hiring has shifted from title‑led CV screens to capability‑driven assessments that emphasise characterisation with clear conclusions, scale‑up to pilot/production, standards compliance (ASTM/ISO/IATF/AS9100), sustainability/ESG, data literacy & measurable product or yield improvements. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for battery/materials engineers, polymer/composites specialists, metallurgists, ceramics/glass scientists, surface/thin‑film engineers, failure analysts, process/quality engineers & materials informatics roles. Who this is for: Materials scientists & engineers (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, semiconductors, thin films, coatings), process/scale‑up & manufacturing engineers, CMC in materials for life sciences, QA/QC, failure analysis, test & characterisation, sustainability/LCAs, and materials informatics/data roles in the UK.

Why Materials Science Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Materials science has always been an interdisciplinary field, sitting at the crossroads of physics, chemistry & engineering. But in the UK today, as the demand for sustainable technologies, advanced composites & biomedical innovations grows, materials science careers are becoming even more multidisciplinary. Employers are now looking beyond technical expertise. Success in modern materials roles increasingly requires awareness of law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. These five areas shape how new materials are researched, applied, communicated and trusted in society. This article explores why materials science careers in the UK are becoming more multidisciplinary, how these fields intersect with scientific practice, and what job-seekers & employers should do to adapt.

Materials Science Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Materials Science Department

Materials science is a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and data science. In the UK, advances in materials science are powering innovation in sectors such as aerospace, defence, electronics, energy storage, healthcare, and sustainable manufacturing. Whether you are aiming for a role in R&D, testing, manufacturing, or product development, understanding how a materials science department is structured—and what each role does—can help you make informed decisions in your career or hiring. Below is a detailed guide to modern materials science team structures: roles and responsibilities, how they collaborate throughout the lifecycle of materials, required skills and qualifications, typical UK salary ranges, trends, challenges, and best practices for building strong teams that deliver reliable materials solutions.