Technical Officer - Robotics Living Lab

About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Robotics Living Lab as a key member of a specialist technical team supporting cutting-edge activity across robotics, prototyping, manufacturing technologies and emerging digital practices. You will work closely with academic colleagues, project teams and students to contribute to the development, testing and refinement of innovative tooling, automated systems and manufacturing processes.

You will ensure the smooth running of advanced equipment such as mechanical prototyping tools, additive manufacturing systems, fabrication machinery and robotic laboratory platforms. Alongside supporting day-to‑day technical operations, you will play an active role in shaping, trialling and evaluating new technical approaches that enable experimentation, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the Lab's activities.

The role involves a blend of hands‑on technical practice, problem-solving, independent project work and collaborative engagement with teams working at the intersection of engineering, robotics, fashion technology, digital design and material exploration. You will contribute to documentation, guidance, demonstrations and training that support a safe, productive and exploratory lab environment.

Some flexibility in working hours may be required to meet the needs of the service, including occasional evening or weekend work.

About you
We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic, highly technical environment, and who enjoys enabling others to develop their skills while also advancing their own practice. You will bring a deep understanding of mechanical engineering, prototyping and manufacturing processes, together with the confidence to devise creative solutions to complex technical challenges.

Key skills

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to a range of users.
• Strong independent working skills, combined with a collaborative and flexible approach within a team.
• Ability to operate, maintain and demonstrate a wide range of mechanical prototyping, fabrication and additive manufacturing equipment to a high standard.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise your own workload while managing specialist resources.
• Confident decision‑making and creative problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency with standard digital tools and documentation processes.

Essential experience and knowledge

• Detailed and extensive knowledge of mechanical engineering, CAD (e.g. Fusion 360 / SolidWorks), design for manufacture, prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, pressure forming), and automated systems/tooling.
• Substantial experience working in a relevant lab or workshop environment, including hands‑on use of fabrication and assembly techniques and producing high‑quality outputs.
• Experience developing or contributing to risk assessments, chemical risk assessments (CoSHH) and safe working practices.
• Experience demonstrating equipment or processes to students, practitioners or other users.
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practice within workshop/lab environments.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics Engineering or a closely related subject, or equivalent professional experience.

Desirable

• Broad interdisciplinary understanding relevant to robotics, digital fabrication or applied manufacturing.
• Experience contributing to structured project work, collaborative technical development or iterative experimentation.
• Experience developing technical documentation, user guidance or standard operating procedures.

How to apply
Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role via our application portal. If you would like to discuss the position informally, please contact the Robotics Living Lab Technical Facility Manager Alex Sleat (a.sleat@mmu.ac.uk).

Further information
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.