Higher Engineer (Workshop)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Higher Engineer (Workshop) to join our Engineering Manufacture Group. NPL are the UK’s National Metrology Institute, providing the measurement capability that underpins the UK’s prosperity and quality of life.

NPL has a substantial in-house manufacturing workshop which is equipped with current state of the art machinery and production processes. NPL runs its own mechanical design group which is responsible for the design and specification of special purpose research machinery and other precision metrology equipment that is used by the NPL science teams and also other third party institutions. The components and machinery built at NPL are generally high precision and in low volume, often resulting in a single unit produced, this drives a strong right-first-time philosophy.

The Engineering team creates many state of the art facilities used to deliver cutting edge science and precision measurements that underpin science, health, environment, industry, and commerce. We are looking for self-motivated individuals, who can work as part of the team delivering engineering solutions to our customers through the application of good engineering practice and standards.

As the Higher Engineer, you will join our mechanical manufacture team.

What you will be doing

• Leading the manufacture, assembly and commissioning of complex engineering systems and equipment.
• Providing technical leadership on challenging manufacturing and engineering activities.
• Manufacturing precision components using CNC and conventional machine tools.
• Programming, setting and operating machining equipment to produce parts to specification.
• Advising engineers and designers on manufacturability, assembly methods and practical engineering solutions.
• Supporting project planning, estimating and scheduling activities.
• Acting as a key technical interface between workshop staff, design engineers and project stakeholders.

Leading troubleshooting, fault finding and problem-solving activities.

Identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, equipment and workshop capability.

Supporting the introduction of new technologies, tools and methods.

Ensuring high standards of quality, safety and engineering best practice are maintained.

Coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues, apprentices and junior engineers.

Supporting resource planning and prioritisation of workshop activities.

Taking ownership of technically complex or high-profile deliverables.

Contributing to the long-term development of workshop capability and expertise.

What you can bring to the role:

• Significant experience in precision engineering, manufacturing or mechanical engineering.
• Advanced knowledge of CNC machine programming, setting, machining, assembly and manufacturing techniques.
• Experience delivering technically complex engineering projects.
• The ability to interpret complex engineering requirements and translate them into practical manufacturing solutions.
• Strong technical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and customers.
• The ability to lead technical activities and influence project outcomes.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, quality and safety.

Desirable:

• Preferable experience in CNC Milling, Turning and/or Manual Grinding.
• Knowledge of NC controls, preferred; Mazatrol, Siemens and Heidenhain
• Knowledge of modern CNC, CAM and CAD systems, including SolidWorks, Fusion 360 or FeatureCAM.
• Understanding of engineering drawings.
• HNC, HND, degree or equivalent engineering qualification.

Experience working within a quality-managed engineering environment.

• We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

  Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview
 
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
 
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion

page.
 
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.