Design & Technology Specialist Technician

Location: Newham, East/Inner London

School Type: Independent Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent (Term-Time Only or Term-Time + 2 Weeks)

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP or January Start

A prestigious, forward-thinking independent secondary school and Sixth Form in Newham is seeking a skilled, safety-conscious, and practical Design & Technology Specialist Technician to support their state-of-the-art D&T and Engineering department. Positioned at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern design technology, this is an outstanding opportunity for a maker, workshop technician, engineering enthusiast, or craft specialist to manage cutting-edge maker spaces, maintain specialized machinery, and support students in bringing their design projects to life.

About the Role

As the D&T Specialist Technician, you will provide comprehensive operational and technical support across product design, woodwork, metalwork, CAD/CAM, and rapid prototyping. Working closely with teaching staff across Key Stage 3, GCSE, and A-Level Design & Technology/Engineering, you will prepare raw materials, maintain heavy workshop machinery and digital fabrication tools, enforce strict health and safety protocols, and assist pupils during practical manufacturing sessions.

• Environment: A high-spec independent school facility equipped with modern woodwork/metalwork machinery, CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, CAD suites, and dedicated materials storage

• Culture: An innovative, high-standard creative environment where technical precision, workshop safety, design thinking, and pupil craftsmanship are deeply valued

Key Responsibilities

• Workshop Preparation & Material Management: Prepare timbers, metals, plastics, and smart materials; set up hand tools and machinery for daily practical classes and individual student coursework.

• Machinery Maintenance & Safety: Conduct routine servicing, calibration, and safety checks on workshop machinery (e.g., lathes, bandsaws, pillar drills, sanders, CAD/CAM systems), ensuring all equipment complies with DATA and CLEAPSS health and safety standards.

• CAD/CAM & Digital Fabrication Support: Assist with the setup, operation, and maintenance of digital tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and CNC machinery.

• COSHH & Inventory Control: Manage stock levels of tools, hardware, and consumables; update risk assessments and COSHH logs for dust extraction, solvents, finishes, and workshop materials.

• Classroom & Student Support: Provide hands-on guidance to pupils during practical sessions, demonstrating safe tool handling, joining methods, material preparation, and finishing techniques.

Requirements

• Relevant technical qualification (e.g., HND, NVQ, City & Guilds, or Degree in Design & Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Fine Woodworking, or Product Design) or equivalent practical workshop experience.

• Proven experience working with traditional workshop machinery (wood/metal processing) and modern digital fabrication tools (CAD/CAM, laser cutting, 3D printing).

• Solid understanding of Health & Safety legislation, DATA standards, CLEAPSS regulations, and COSHH in a workshop or manufacturing environment.

• Strong organizational skills with a proactive approach to tool maintenance, shop floor organization, and inventory tracking.

• Patient, encouraging manner when supporting secondary-age students, combined with clear communication and a strong team-oriented mindset.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Competitive Independent School Salary Scale (commensurate with technical expertise and qualifications).

• Independent school pension scheme, funded safety and machinery certifications, term-time-only working arrangements, complimentary school meals, and access to staff health and wellbeing amenities.

How to Apply

If you are a practical, safety-minded technical specialist passionate about inspiring the next generation of designers, engineers, and makers at a leading independent school in Newham, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV and application letter as soon as possible for consideration.