R&D ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Job Description

• This role is based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham.

• Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available however, this role requires on-site attendance)

• Appointment will be at UKRI Pay Band C – salary range is £25,702 to £27,938 per annum (depending on skills and experience).

• A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

About the employer:

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). We are a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to inform government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites: a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham, and the Lyell Centre, which is a collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations, has close links with 40 universities, and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency.  As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.

About the role:

Science programmes within BGS routinely require equipment that is unique and specific to the research.  Often this is unavailable commercially, or it is prohibitively expensive when bought from existing suppliers.  These factors sustain a need for a Research and Development Engineering capability within BGS that works closely with science teams, carrying out the manufacture of research equipment.

BGS is looking for a skilled and experienced Engineering Technician to join our small team who design, manufacture and develop bespoke equipment to support the work of BGS science challenges using a range of workshop machinery; both manual and computer controlled (CNC).  You will work very closely with the Engineering Manager and with a wide range of scientific specialists to ensure a thorough functional understanding of the design.

The role will include turning, milling, grinding, and drilling, including the manufacture of jigs, tool setting and programming (protoTRAK).  Fabrication, fitting and welding processes will also be commonly used and peripheral techniques will require the use of plastics, resins and wood machinery.

The post-holder will have joint responsibility for workshop maintenance and will take an active role in safety and quality management.  There will be a requirement to deputise for the Engineering Manager as well as occasional UK travel to other BGS sites.

About you

You will have strong engineering experience which has enabled a full knowledge of machine tool operation and theory.  The post requires someone with an engineering apprenticeship, at least to level 3, or an equivalent qualification as well as GCSE Maths (or equivalent).  An OND engineering and GCSEs in English/Science would be highly desirable.

We are looking for someone who has full and proven competency in the safe use of workshop machinery including:

• Lathes (manual and CNC);
• Milling machines (with or without dividing heads);
• Surface and cylindrical grinders;
• Drilling machines;
• Tapping machines; and
• band-sawing machines.

The BGS Engineering Technician role is very varied and interesting, and the nature of the work you will get involved in on a day to day basis will be extremely rewarding.

How to apply:

Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application addressing the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org. The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 8 January 2023.  Interviews are expected to be held in late January 2023 in Nottingham