Technical Specialist (Whittle Laboratory)

About the role

The Whittle Laboratory in West Cambridge is a purpose-built facility for the development of aeroengine and associated technologies, with wind tunnels, turbine and compressor test rigs and heat transfer tunnels. It is the National Centre for Propulsion and Power and develops advanced CNC techniques for rapid blade and test rig machining. The Technical Specialist joins the team of technicians, supporting staff, students and external companies in designing and making specialist equipment, developing manufacturing techniques and scheduling technician workload. The post is full-time, fixed-term for five years in the first instance, based at the Whittle Laboratory in the Department of Engineering.

Key responsibilities

• Develop analytical methods and techniques to help research groups use the facility, stay up to date with manufacturing advances and contribute to publications and presentations.
• Manage technical resources: operate and maintain specialist equipment, assess failures, run quality assurance and routine inspection and maintenance.
• Advise on manufacturing techniques and work with research groups to adapt experimental equipment and methods.
• Contribute to joint research projects and give constructive feedback on objectives, progress and scientific results.
• Support the local safety officer: review and draw up risk assessments, document safety procedures and advise on safety considerations.
• Train and induct new research and technical staff and students, and train users in the use of instruments and apparatus.
• Specify and supply chemicals, consumables and equipment, agree joint purchasing and give input on high-value purchases.
• Manufacture specialist components by conventional and CNC machining (milling, turning, grinding), develop new methods including fixtures and tooling for complex geometries and tight tolerances.
• Schedule and assign workload to technicians and cover the Laboratory Manager during absences.

Required profile

• Degree in a relevant research area, Level 6 vocational qualifications or equivalent practical experience.
• Practical experience of specialised workshop activities and equipment, and of conventional and CNC machining.
• Experience of dealing with research projects and communicating results to varied audiences.
• Experience of implementing health and safety requirements in a research environment.
• Experience of providing training to groups and individuals, and of motivating and mentoring staff.

Required skills

• Specialist knowledge of conventional and CNC machining.
• Good knowledge of CAD/CAM software.
• Ability to operate specialist experimental equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Applications are made online through the University's recruitment system, quoting reference NM50348; the closing date is 22 November 2026.