Senior Engineering Technician at Newcastle University

Key Accountabilities

• In conjunction with the Technical Team Leader, be responsible for the day-to-day operation of specific laboratory facilities and items of equipment and instrumnetation. To undertake fault diagnosis, testing, repair, calibration and preventative maintenance on equipment and instrumentation.
• In conjunction with academic, research, technical staff and students as appropriate, identify consumable and equipment requirements and initiate their ordering according to the school and university purchasing procedures. Keep financial records of any activities as directed by the Team Leader.
• To maintain an effective inventory of equipment within your designated work area to ensure a continuous supply is available, and ensure safe disposal of hazardous materials generated by research activities according to standard university procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures including relevant risk assessments. In conjunction with the Technical Team Leader and School Safety Officer monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements. To contribute to regular team meetings, health and safety processes and audits.
• To train and advise staff in appropriate techniques and good lab practise to ensure they are able to carry out their work in a safe manner. To provide lab supervision and training to postgraduate and undergraduate students and for junior technical staff using the facilities in ensure working practices are followed.
• Provide comprehensive support and advice to staff on technical development, design, preparation, construction, assembly and setting up of experiments, including supporting the scheduling of project activities and Minor Electrical & Mechanical Work and perform basic electrical and mechanical maintenance and repairs on equipment.
• To have responsibility for the running and maintenance of all equipment and instrumentation as required. As part of the wider technical team, have responsibility for the running and maintenance of the service in support of research operations and analysis involving the use of various scientific equipment.
• Undertake quality analysis as part of ongoing research or commercial outreach activities in accordance with appropriate standards, including collating, providing both data and results for interpretation, processing and archiving.
• Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of working in a relevant technical environment with demonstratable team working skills.
• Experience of running day-to-day activities and their associated infrastructure, inventories, instrumentation, equipment and sustainable practises.
• Experience of using an array of equipment and instrumentation with a good theoretical and practical knowledge of technical equipment, including repair and maintenance.
• Up-to-date and detailed knowledge of health and safety procedures in a lab setting. Including experience of writing risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changes in lab research and priorities.
• Contribute to design and specification of research and activities.
• Demonstrates good organisation and ability to meet deadlines, with a positive and proactive approach to duties and diligence with attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (or Equivalent Level 4 Qualification) or equivalent relevant technical experience.
• Full UK Driver’s License

Desirable

• Fork Lift Operators License