Mechanical Fitter

Salary: £29,605 to £30,487 with progression to £32,982 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 05 May 2024

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Senior Mechanical Fitter to join the Design Unit (DU) at Newcastle University. The DU is a specialist centre with expertise in Mechanical Power Transmission Systems, delivering innovative design, development and research consultancy services since 1970.  We operate in a collaborative and thriving hub based at Walker Riverside with close links to the School of Engineering in the city campus.

As a Senior Mechanical Fitter you will be guided by the Technical Supervisor in supporting colleagues with their research design and manufacturing projects. Your primary focus will be the assembly and operation of precision test equipment and testing machines which are designed, built, and operated by the DU.  

You will have the opportunity to undertake training in Gear Geometry, Gear Metrology, Instrumentation and Gear Failure Analysis and apply this knowledge to the job role. You will on occasion work on-site at client premises (UK and abroad) carrying out machine assembly and commissioning activities.

Our work is varied, and each operation is unique, this means that your time on projects can range from a few hours to several months. If you are a skilled and organised individual with a passion for technical innovative design and development, this could be the career for you. 

This is a permanent and full-time position (37 hours), available with an immediate start. Working week to be agreed at offer. 

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter is a supporting statement, and you should outline how you meet the essential criteria of the role and evidence this with examples. 

Interviews will be held on 23 May 2024.

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact Mr Dave Clipperton, Technical Team Leader via email: dave.clipperton@newcastle.ac.uk 

For more information about the Design Unit and our work, please click here 

We are based in the Advanced Engineering Research Hub of Newcastle University, with free parking on site  at:
Unit B1 & B2 Wincomblee Road
Walker

Newcastle upon Tyne
NE6 3QS

The School of Engineering offers an exceptional environment for those seeking to build a career at the intersection of innovation, education, and impactful research. Joining us means becoming part of a vibrant community committed to pushing boundaries in engineering disciplines while nurturing individual growth. With cutting-edge facilities and a diverse collaborative culture, the school provides an inspiring platform to contribute pioneering ideas, foster meaningful connections, and make a tangible difference in the world through technological advancements and academic excellence.

For more information about the school, please click here

Key Accountabilities

•    Carry out general technician duties in support of Design Unit activities in the manufacture, assembly and operation of test machines

•    The development, construction and commissioning/calibration of experimental equipment and rigs as required by the Design Unit with special reference made to the use of CNC machine tools for gear manufacturing and measuring machines

•    Setting up of high-power gear test machines where safety and accuracy are of the utmost importance. Ensuring the satisfactory performance of all items prior to commencing experiments and tests for research, teaching and Industry engagement contracts. Generally assisting in running tests

•    Advise on technical specification of new machinery, equipment and processes

•    Assume responsibility to ensure that University, School and Design Unit guidelines on safety are adhered to. Review accident and incident information and prevent their re-occurrence with consideration for best practice

•    Assist with the training of technical and trainee technical staff in workshop procedures and the use of equipment as required

•    Give technical support to undergrad and postgrad as required           

•    Maintaining consistent high levels of housekeeping, keeping the work area clear and safe of any hazards

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

•    Experience in a technical role involved in the production and assembly of precision rotating machines

•    Be confident in the use of a wide range of mechanical equipment including conventional lathes, milling machines and surface grinders for the manufacture and modification of precision parts

•    Ability to assemble precision machines requiring the use of lifting equipment due to the weight of components

•    Knowledge of hydraulic and/or lubrication systems

•    Be able to follow detailed assembly and part drawings that may include geometric tolerances associated with precision components
•    Organisational, planning, prioritisation of work
•    Problem solving abilities
•    Excellent team working and communication skills
•    Knowledge of CAD/CAM processes
•    Thorough working knowledge of health and safety procedures

Attributes and Behaviours
•    Co-operates with others to achieve targets
•    Strives to deliver high quality results and continuous improvement
•    Uses initiative to sort things out, is enterprising in effective use of material and resources
•    Looks at ways of overcoming obstacles rather than coming to a standstill
•    Works in a planned and structured way
•    Sets own priorities in conjunction with team and area objectives
•    Ensures that activities are completed on time
•    Respects the expertise and contribution of others even if own opinion is different
•    Willing to help others and share workloads

•    Contribute effectively to the on-going safe working system at DU
 

Qualifications
•    HNC or other appropriate qualification, with industrial experience in a mechanical engineering environment

 Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 26445