Technical Instructor in Motorsport Mechanical Engineering (0170-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB

Technical Instructor in Motorsport Mechanical Engineering (0170-26) - Derby, DE22 1GB

About the University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. 

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home STEM, the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too. 

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, Data Science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and Psychology. We are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design. 

Technical Services

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning.  Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation play a vital part in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation.

Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Technical colleagues within the College of Science and Engineering support a wide range of specialist resources and activities. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, workshops and controlled environments.

We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence. 

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Technical Instructor to support the delivery and development of practical engineering activities within the College of Science and Engineering, with a particular focus on mechanical and motorsport disciplines. This exciting hands-on role will play a key part in supporting teaching, research, and industry-focused projects across a range of engineering laboratories and workshop environments.

The successful candidate will provide specialist technical expertise in vehicle dynamics, vehicle design, milling, turning, fabrication, and race vehicle preparation. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will be responsible for the setup, maintenance, and operation of race-prepared vehicles, including trackside support activities, while ensuring safe and effective use of engineering facilities and equipment.

As part of the technical team, you will support students and staff through the delivery of technical training, guidance, and practical demonstrations, helping to develop industry-relevant skills and knowledge. You will also contribute to the management of workshop resources, equipment maintenance, health and safety compliance, budget planning, and the continuous development of technical services across the College.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineering professional with a strong understanding of the motorsport industry, a passion for technical education, and the ability to support both academic and research activities. The role also involves collaboration with academic colleagues, supervision of practical activities, support for field trips and off-site teaching, and contributing to the development of innovative learning environments that prepare students for careers in engineering and motorsport sectors.

About You

You will hold a degree in a related discipline, or possess comparable knowledge and transferable skills gained through relevant industry experience. The ideal candidate will have substantial hands-on technical experience within a motorsport or high-performance automotive environment, preferably gained within a race team, manufacturing, research, or educational setting.

You will be proficient in the operation, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of a wide range of motorsport equipment, including data acquisition and telemetry systems, diagnostic tools, engine and vehicle testing equipment, and setup systems such as alignment rigs and suspension measurement tools. A solid understanding of key motorsport engineering principles - such as vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, and chassis setup - is essential alongside experience supporting workshop and trackside activities, preparing vehicles and test rigs, and contributing to performance data analysis.

In addition, you will have practical experience in machining and fabrication processes, including the safe and precise operation of manual milling machines, lathes, and associated workshop equipment, supporting the development and maintenance of mechanical and motorsport components.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Richard Bostock, Technical team Leader via [email protected]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Important Information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.

Closing Date: 28 Sep 2026

Area: Technical Support

Salary: £32,942 to £36,977 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £42,523.55 per annum)