Mechanical Maintenance Technician

Salary: £35,000.00 - £36,500.00

Hours: 37 hours per week

Employment Type: Permanent/Full Tim

Contract Length: Permanent

Closing Date: 29th October 2026

The Pirbright Institute

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:

The Pirbright Institute carries out planned preventative and reactive maintenance activities, across a range of building services and process plant, including high containment systems, such as HVAC systems, drainage, effluent treatment plants/equipment and standard building services.

As a Mechanical Technician, you will be working within a team of three, reporting into the Lead Mechanical Technician. Although you will be working within a team, there will be times that you could be required to perform duties on a solo basis as well as participate in a ‘duty on call rota’ to provide out of hours reactive maintenance response in the future, as outlined below ‘On Call Working’ section.

You will be responsible for a blend of duties such as Mechanical Systems Maintenance, documentation and reporting, as well as other duties directed by your Line Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance and Engineering Support • Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities on mechanical plant, equipment and building services systems. • Respond to reactive maintenance requests and undertake repairs in a safe and timely manner. • Diagnose faults and assist with identifying appropriate corrective actions. • Support the installation, replacement and modification of mechanical equipment and services. • Assist with inspections, testing and servicing activities to ensure equipment remains safe and operational. • Support maintenance activities across all Institute buildings and facilities as required. • Liaise with contractors and service providers undertaking works on site. • Maintain a professional and customer-focused approach when interacting with building users and stakeholders.

Health, Safety and Compliance • Comply with all applicable health, safety and environmental procedures. • Work in accordance with approved safe systems of work, risk assessments and permit-to-work arrangements. • Ensure tools, equipment and personal protective equipment are used safely and appropriately. • Report hazards, defects, incidents and near misses in accordance with Institute procedures. • Contribute to maintaining a safe working environment across the estate.

Documentation and Reporting • Complete maintenance records, job sheets and update computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS) accurately and in a timely manner. • Record completed work, equipment defects and maintenance observations. • Escalate significant issues, recurring faults or safety concerns to the Lead Mechanical Technician.

Training and Development • Participate in mandatory and role-specific training. • Maintain and develop technical knowledge and competencies relevant to the role. • Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Estates Management Services team.

Other Duties • Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post. • Support emergency responses relating to building services, equipment failures and operational incidents when required.

Essential Criteria • NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds Level 3 or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline. • Experience of planned and reactive maintenance within a commercial, industrial, facilities or estates environment. • Practical fault-finding and problem-solving skills. • Knowledge of health and safety requirements associated with maintenance activities. • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, contractors and customers. • Basic IT skills for the completion of maintenance records and documentation. • Ability to undertake the physical requirements of the role. • Flexibility to work outside normal working hours on occasion to support operational requirements.

Desirable Criteria • Experience working within a facilities management or estates maintenance environment. • Experience working within a regulated, technical or scientific environment. • Experience of using computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS).

On-Call Working

The Institute reserves the right to require the postholder to participate in an on-call Engineer rota where operational requirements necessitate this.

Any requirement to join the on-call rota will be subject to the postholder having successfully completed the necessary training and being assessed as suitably qualified, competent and experienced to undertake on-call duties safely and effectively. • Participation in the on-call rota will attract additional remuneration in accordance with the Institute's on-call arrangements and terms and conditions applicable at that time.

Due to the nature of the work we do, 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 plus public and privilege days, increasing up to 31 days with long service. • Enhanced Maternity package. • Buy and sell annual leave • Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave • Pirbright gym with membership • Pirbright social club • Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site) • Cycle to work • Subsidised staff restaurant • Childcare allowance • Free onsite parking • Electric Car charging facilities

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change to carry out other duties as may be reasonably required by the line manager and may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing need of The Pirbright Institute.

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 [email protected] for an update.

We acknowledge, understand, and embrace diversity, equality and inclusion