John Warwick

Profile

I am a Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing Technician in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. My primary responsibilities are to produce components for research and teaching activities across the University. I predominantly use subtractive manufacturing techniques involving programming and operating computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling, turning and wire Electrical Discharge Machining machines.

As well as manufacturing I have strong drafting and design skills, using computer aided design (CAD) software to design components and assemblies which contribute to research, teaching and outreach activities, for example Leeds West Indian Carnival.

My career began in Life Sciences when, following graduating in Bioscience from the Univeristy of Leeds, I was employed as a laboratory technician at a contract research organisation specialising in skin. I gained technical experience in microbiology and clinical studies, working to ISO17025 standards. I became the senior technician overlooking production and testing of a propriatry full thickness living skin equivalent, which progressed to Laboratory and Services Manager. This required taking on more operational leadership, including setting up a new site with laboratories and offices, creating and implementing quality management systems, leading on technical operations management, technical support and sales, as well as speaking to potential and current investors.

Realising that I missed the practical aspects of being a technician, I secured a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Leeds, then the Mechanical workshop. Going back to Further Education and college with school leavers at the age of thirty was a challenge but I completed my Advanced Apprenticeship, followed by HNC and HND qualifications at Bradford College.

Having worked as a technician and with technicians in two fields, I know the value technical staff bring to their roles and institutions. As a Technician Champion where I support the Technicians Network in advocating for and supporting technical staff, particularly in recognition and fair attribution as well as sustainability of technical careers. I am increasly involved in development of early career technical staff by taking responsibility for the hosting of T Level students during their industry placements at the university and mentoring apprentices.

Responsibilities

• Technicians Commitment - Technicians Champion
• T Level Industry Placement - Programme Lead
• Apprenticeship Mentor

Research interests

Technical Expertise

Subtractive Manufacturing

I am proficient in conventional turning and milling techniques. My particular competence is in CNC 3 & 3+2 axis milling, using CAM software (Fusion and NX) to program. I also write programs manually for CNC turning and Wire EDM machines.

Mechanical Design – CAD

I am an accomplished CAD user, producing computer models of components and assemblies. Using these models I produce accurate technical drawings which allow components can be manufactured and assembled as intended.

I am a SOLIDWORKS Associate of Mechanical Design.

Notable Design Projects

As well as manufacturing components I have been involved in the design stages of a number of projects:

2024 Ubuntu: Engineering Carnival

BBC News Article

I was part of the technical team involved in this project. One of the research outputs of this research culture initiave was to raise the visibility of technical staff. Working with Professor Briony Thomas in collaboration with community designers High Esteem we produced a queen costume which lead the Leeds West Indian Carnival Parage.

My role in the project centered around the mechanical design of the costume. Finding technical solutions to design ideas community designers had been challenged by. The solution we came up with was a mechanism which allowed the costume to articulate while the uprights remained perpendicular to the ground during it’s full range of motion.

Speed Blot

https://cryopreparation.com/

Working with Professor Nikil Kapur and Professor Stephen Meunch I was tasked with producing a device which processed samples for cryogenic electron microscopy. Commercially available machines are expensive but have a number of limitations in the time taken between removing excess liquid from the sample (blotting) and the sample being submerged in the cryogen. My responsiblities were taking the concept of the Speed Blot device to a finished design. I produced the CAD models and technical drawings before, along with my workshop colleagues, manufacturing the prototypes.

Qualifications

• BSc Bioscience - University of Leeds
• HND Mechanical Engineering
• NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety