Senior CNC Machinist

Build brilliant things. Break stuff (occasionally). Fix it better. Repeat.

We're UCL Mechanical Engineering - one of the oldest and most respected engineering departments in the UK. We've been doing this since 1847, and we're still at it: designing cleaner engines, building solar power stations out of featherweight materials, and figuring out how blood cells behave in spaces smaller than a human hair.

Now we need someone who knows their way around a workshop. Someone who can take a sketch, raise an eyebrow, and say, "I can make that better." Someone who's not afraid of a challenge, doesn't need hand-holding, and can talk shop with professors and students alike.

What you'll actually be doing:

Making custom parts for research rigs, student projects, and experimental setups.
Fixing, tweaking, and improving lab equipment - combustion engines, wave tanks, and all sorts of bespoke gear.
Talking through ideas with academics and students, then turning those ideas into solid, working kit.
Advising on materials, design tweaks, and how to make things run smoother, stronger, and smarter.
Using machines like mills, lathes, EDM, water-jet cutters, grinders, and 3D printers. If you haven't used them all, we'll train you up.
Helping out with bigger department projects - refurbishing labs, setting up new spaces, and hitting deadlines when things get busy.

Who we're after:

You've got solid CNC machining experience and know how to get things done.
Experienced in CNC programming using CAM software (i.e. Mastercam or equivalent) and using conversational controls (Siemens 828D controls and ProtoTRAK controls or equivalent
You're practical, sharp, and not afraid to speak up when something doesn't make sense.
You can work solo but also get on well with a team.
You're comfortable chatting with students and senior academics - no jargon, just clear communication.
You're curious, adaptable, and always up for learning something new.

What you'll get:

A diverse, friendly team from all over the world
A chance to work on projects that actually matter.
Training and support to help you grow your skills.
A role where your input isn't just welcome - it's essential.

What we offer:

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
Immigration loan
Relocation scheme for certain posts
On-Site nursery
On-site gym
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance

Visit our Rewards and Benefits page to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce.

These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.

Sound like your kind of gig?

You don't need a fancy degree - just solid experience, a good head on your shoulders, and a willingness to get stuck in. If that's you, we'd love to hear from you.