Senior Technician in Mechanical Engineering ) - Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.
The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology - we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.
Technical Services
Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation have a vital part they play in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Technical colleagues support a wide range of specialist resources across the College of Science and Engineering. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, workshops and controlled environments. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).
As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.
Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence.
About the Role
You will support and develop practical related activities for the engineering technician apprenticeship scheme. Working across level 3, level 4 and level 6 programmes within the Skills Academy, with a particular emphasis on emphasis on welding processes and techniques, within a mechanical engineering context.
Working closely with academics and members of technical team, you will provide specialist support relating to machine shop activities. Working across several laboratories with a high degree of autonomy, and providing additional technical support across the academy as required.
You will be part of our technical team responsible for the maintenance, operation and safety of college equipment. Able to provide full technical support to apprentice students and staff, including training and advice on the appropriate use of resources.
This role is employed by University of Derby but works in partnership with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd. Due to the nature of work that Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd conducts and the protection of certain assets, some roles within the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA) require post-holders to hold Security Clearance (SC).
This role does not currently require SC clearance, and this will not be a condition of appointment to this role. However, please be aware that there may be a future requirement for the successful candidate/s to undertake a SC check should any change in circumstances render this necessary due to development of the NSA over the coming years.
About You
We are looking for a practical and safety-focused professional with hands-on experience in welding processes and techniques. The ideal candidate will have a strong awareness of Health and Safety standards and be skilled in preparing, maintaining, and repairing equipment and resources effectively.
You should be confident in demonstrating tasks and processes to individuals and small groups, with excellent face-to-face communication skills. The role requires a proactive team player who can contribute positively to the team while effectively managing their workload to meet deadlines and targets with minimal supervision.
If you are organised and a strong communicator, we would love to hear from you!
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Cheryl Harris, Technical Team Leader, via .
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via
Important Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here .
Closing Date: 06 Jul 2026
Area: Technical Support
Salary: £32,260 to £36,251 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,689 per annum)
