Mechanical Technician

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

Based on the Pirbright site carrying out planned preventative and reactive maintenance activities, including operation and maintenance (to competency level) we are looking for an Electrical Engineer of mechanical building services and process plant, including high containment HEPA filtered HVAC systems, high containment drainage and effluent treatment plants/equipment, standard building services including gases, water, compressed air, steam/condense and refrigerated systems.

Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor within a multidisciplinary engineering team of 14 Technicians and supported by a dedicated management team and technical specialists.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Participation in the development and implementation of the Asset Care program (PPM) including Condition Based Monitoring and testing duties in accordance with regulatory compliance requirements.
• Carry out reactive maintenance tasks in line with the priorities assigned to the task to ensure the team meet SLAs and KPIs.
• Liaison with technical and scientific staff throughout the Institute at the situational level including external contractors to ensure work programs are delivered on time right first time.
• Operation and maintenance of semi-automated processes including animal effluent treatment plant, waste incineration plant.
• Participation in Health, Safety & Risk programs including risk assessment of planned maintenance activities and ‘on the spot’ risk assessment of reactive works.
• Adhering to Safe Systems of Work including Life Safety Systems, LOTO and permitting process.
• Participation in the Quality Management System supporting the development of Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring QMS training compliance as appropriate to the post.
• Providing technical support from small to medium size M&E Projects including supporting the design, installation, commissioning, and validation of new assets.
• Participation in ‘duty on call rota’ to provide out of hours reactive maintenance response.
• Other duties, as directed by Line Management.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by their line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

 

Personal Specification

• Time management.
• Team Player, Collaborative.
• Reliability under pressure.
• Decision making/problem solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial.
• Ethical/credible.
• Inspiring, creative.
• Results driven.
• Passionate.
• Engaging and recognizing.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• Experience in maintaining/repairing commercial and domestic systems/equipment.
• Experience in maintenance problem solving tools and techniques.
• Able to communicate technical subjects to staff at all levels and all areas of the organisation.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team in project delivery and in small problem-solving groups at the situational level in the organisation.
• Able to risk assess and define safe working practices when faced with unplanned events.
• Competent IT skills.
• Maintenance record keeping experience.
• Ability to undertake physical tasks associated with the role.
• Able to work outside office hours if required.
• Working to a Safe System of Work.

Desirable

• City & Guilds/NVQ-2 Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience of Process Engineering within a regulated environment.
• ONC/HNC Process Engineering/Containment Systems.
• Experience of Process Engineering in Bio-Containment Environment.

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
• Pirbright social club.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work.
• Subsidised employee restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Electric car charging facilities.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.