Mechanical Workshop Technician

Mechanical Workshop Technician

Reports to: Mechanical Engineering Workshop Manager

There are two full-time, permanent positions on Crick Terms and Conditions of Employment. 

SUMMARY

Researchers at the Crick are undertaking a wide variety of physical, behavioural, and neurological investigations and use bespoke tools and systems that require design, development, and manufacturing to enable their science. The mechanical engineering workshop is key to this provision. The team work directly with scientists developing solutions to the scientific researcher’s needs.

The engineer manages a portfolio of projects from initial request, through scope definition, options analysis, design, development prototyping manufacturing and product refinement. Collecting User Requirements (verbal and written), transforming these into practical solutions, identifying / developing solutions, reviewing buildability and manufacturing techniques and technologies to deliver to science. Maintaining leading edge knowledge to use in the development of these products whether available in house or through specialist providers. Presenting options identifying technical solutions to deliver science outcomes. Producing 2/3D CAD drawing for manufacturing.

This position requires someone with initiative, able to work independently and enjoys the challenge of producing bespoke items such as micro adjusters for imaging equipment, bespoke samplers, and attachments for scientific instruments. Able to translate a verbal/written requirement into an engineering design, creating a product design specification, including engineering drawings (using drawing software-AutoCAD, fusion 360 or similar). Be able to identify and implement the most suitable solution using a procure/modify/manufacture methodology. Experience of working with a range of materials including aluminium, stainless steel, and plastics. Applying machining, joining, and moulding techniques.

Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills are essential. Applicants should have ideally served a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship or have proven experience in an engineering workshop environment and possess a recognised qualification in Mechanical Engineering.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Your duties will include:

• Using a combination of manual and CNC machines to manufacture bespoke components from a variety of materials to a high standard of accuracy and quality.

• Construction and modification of apparatus from own designs, drawings, and verbal instructions

• Advising clients on matters of mechanical design and construction, bringing concepts to the design stage using technical knowledge and experience to conceptualise and interpret the requirements of clients

• To discuss and evaluate the application and performance of specialised engineering equipment.

• Support the development/maintenance of operating procedures and risk assessments/method statements for products developed

• Produce engineering drawings and 3D models using design and drafting software such as Fusion 360 and AutoCAD. Ensure that components are manufactured and machined within the tolerances specified by the design.

• Comply with Crick health, safety and sustainability processes and procedures

• This role involves significant levels of communication with scientific research and operational staff, as well as STPs and external providers.

ABOUT US

The Francis Crick Institute (the Crick) is a partnership between the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the Wellcome Trust, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King’s College London. It is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical research into all aspects of human health and disease.

The institute is a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation. It promotes connections between researchers and disciplines and between academic institutions, healthcare organizations and businesses. Dedicated to research excellence, the institute has the scale, vision and expertise to tackle the most challenging scientific questions underpinning health and disease. It in world-class with a strong national roll — training scientists and developing ideas for public good. On 1 April 2015, staff from the London Research Institute (CRUK) and National Institute for Medical Research (MRC) transferred to the Crick to form a fully functional research institute on four sites. In 2016, the Crick moved to a single new, purpose-built research Centre in St. Pancras which houses some 1,500 staff.

KEY EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values: bold, imaginative, open, dynamic, and collegial, in addition to the following:

Essential

• Educated to ONC/D in Engineering or equivalent with completion of a recognised engineering apprenticeship-training scheme.
• Proven experience of operating machine tools – lathes, milling machines, grinders etc.
• Experience of design and construction of complex mechanical systems and high precision components.
• Experience in the maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Detailed knowledge of mechanical workshop practices and workshop instrumentation.
• A good understanding of Workplace Health & Safety regulations and procedures.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with clients and internal team.
• Excellent practical skills with good attention to detail.
• Collaborative and able to build and sustain working relationships.
• Able to perform effectively under pressure with good personal organisation and time management to meet deadlines. Ability to work to deadlines and to plan, organise and prioritise own and others work activities over weeks/months ahead.
• Well-developed analytical and technical problem-solving skills to interpret and realise the requirements of research staff.
• Willing to undertake specialised training as required.
• Experience in working with a wide range of materials
• Good general IT skills.

Desirable

• Education Educated to BTEC HNC or equivalent, with completion of a recognised engineering apprenticeship-training scheme.
• Willingness to learn new skills and gain further relevant qualifications
• Experience of 3D printing / prototyping techniques.
• Knowledge of CNC machines and CNC programming.
• Experience in using CAM software.
• Experience sheet metal fabrication
• Previous experience of working in a research/laboratory/academic environment

PLEASE NOTE: ALL OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE SUBJECT TO SUCCESSFUL SECURITY SCREENING AND CONTINUOUS ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.