Mechanical Technician

MPI is looking for a Mechanical Technician, on a permanent basis, for our client based in Kempston, Bedford

Permanent, full-time position

37 hours per week

28 days holiday, plus bank holiday

Scope of the role:

The Mechanical Technician will work as part of a multi-skilled team and be responsible for a wide range of tasks in the build, assembly, test, and development of high precision special purpose machinery and test equipment at the Client s site in Bedfordshire. This role will also require the Mechanical Technician to visit customer sites around the globe for machine installation, upgrades, and service support.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Deliver new machine build and R&D projects in line with the schedule.
• Liaise effectively with project teams on a technical level.
• When at customer sites, complete regular site reports/visit reports, timesheets and other documentation as required.
• Assist with commissioning ultra-precision machine tools.
• Assist with set-up and error correction of ultra-precision machine tools.
• Understand, and work at all times in line with Client Values and Directives; specifically following the highest standards of health and safety.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested.

Key skills requirements:

• Relevant Engineering qualification in a mechanical discipline, e.g. HNC/HND, C&G, BTEC, etc., or higher, or proven experience within the machine tool industry.
• Self-driven individual with a 'can-do' attitude.
• Effective communicator.
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team.
• Ability to problem-solve and fault-find in a logical and methodical manner.
• Proficient with basic software packages, such as Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Full UK driving licence and Passport to be able to travel to customer sites in the UK and overseas.
• Willingness to work additional hours as required by the customer and the ability to work outside the UK for prolonged periods (e.g. up to 6 weeks) if required.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces as required.
• Able to manage own time and meet tight deadlines.

Specialist Skills:

• Use of manual machine shop equipment for part manufacture and modification, such as:
• Milling machine
• Lathe
• Surface grinder
• Forklift licence (minimum B1, preferable B2 also).
• Trained in the use of overhead cranes, lifting and slinging.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and manufacture from mechanical component and drawings.
• Understanding of detailed assembly drawings, and the ability to assemble components to drawing.
• In-depth knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems and drawings, and the ability to interpret and assemble to drawing, and fault find.
• Understanding of complex mechanical systems and components and ability to undertake complex mechanical tasks.
• Build of ultra-precision machine tools and systems, with confidence in the use of micron and arc second data.
• Scraping of full machine beds and guideways to micron tolerances.
• Understanding of special devices and systems such as optical and inductive measuring systems.
• Understanding of machine metrology systems.
• Understanding of machine calibration methods and adjustments (e.g. laser alignment, talyvels, straight edges, etc.).
• Ability to measure critical machine features, interpret the results and correct as required, for example:
• Measure a linear rail surface with Talyvel/Laser Optics and interpret the results to carry out corrective scraping in the required areas.
• Typical target of 5µm straightness over 5m length, 2 arc second crosswind error to adjacent rails surfaces.

Desirable Knowledge:

• R&D set-ups and trials for precision bearing or optical grinding, such as:
• Grinding wheel mounting.
• Manufacture and set-up of component mounts.
• Typical support shoe types, manufacture, and alignment.
• Setup and plumbing of bespoke coolant nozzles.