IT Hardware Refurbishment & PC Build Technician
About Gigacycle
Gigacycle is a leading UK IT asset disposition, data-destruction and computer-recycling specialist. From our secure Manchester processing facility, we help organisations securely and responsibly manage redundant technology.
Our services cover the complete IT asset lifecycle, including secure collection, asset auditing, data erasure, refurbishment, redeployment, resale and responsible recycling. We prioritise reuse wherever possible, extending the useful life of equipment while reducing electronic waste. Learn more about Gigacycle
The opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic IT Hardware Refurbishment & PC Build Technician to join our Manchester operation.
This is a hands-on role involving the testing, diagnosis, repair and refurbishment of laptops, desktop computers, monitors and associated IT equipment. You will also assemble and configure custom desktop systems and gaming PCs.
You will be responsible for ensuring that equipment is processed securely, recorded accurately and refurbished to Gigacycle’s quality standards. The successful candidate will combine strong technical knowledge with excellent attention to detail and a genuine interest in computer hardware.
Key responsibilities
Testing and refurbishment
- Inspect and assess laptops, desktops, monitors and other IT equipment received into the facility.
- Test equipment for functionality, specification, cosmetic condition and refurbishment potential.
- Diagnose hardware and operating-system faults using a logical and methodical approach.
- Repair, upgrade and refurbish equipment to a high operational and cosmetic standard.
- Replace components including RAM, SSDs, hard drives, processors, graphics cards, power supplies, screens, keyboards and batteries.
- Clean equipment thoroughly and remove asset labels or identifying marks where authorised.
- Determine whether equipment should be refurbished, harvested for components or passed for responsible recycling.
- Grade completed equipment consistently against Gigacycle’s condition standards.
- Perform final quality-control checks before equipment is approved for resale or redeployment.
Custom and gaming-PC builds
- Assemble custom desktop computers and gaming PCs according to agreed specifications.
- Confirm compatibility between cases, motherboards, processors, memory, graphics cards, storage, cooling systems and power supplies.
- Install components safely and complete all builds with professional cable management.
- Configure BIOS or UEFI settings and update firmware where required.
- Install operating systems, drivers and approved software.
- Configure air cooling, all-in-one liquid cooling and case airflow.
- Carry out temperature, stability and performance testing.
- Troubleshoot build issues and resolve component, driver or configuration problems.
- Complete a documented final inspection before each system is released.
Asset management and data security
- Accurately record make, model, serial number, asset tag, specification, condition and processing outcome.
- Maintain complete records of tests, repairs, upgrades and components used.
- Handle all data-bearing equipment in accordance with Gigacycle’s security procedures.
- Securely erase storage devices using approved data-sanitisation processes and software.
- Maintain asset traceability throughout the refurbishment process.
- Immediately report missing assets, security concerns or process discrepancies.
- Follow all applicable data-protection, environmental and information-security procedures.
Workshop responsibilities
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised workstation.
- Use tools, components and consumables responsibly.
- Assist with component stock control and report shortages.
- Meet reasonable processing and productivity targets without compromising quality or security.
- Identify recurring faults and suggest improvements to testing and refurbishment processes.
- Support other members of the technical and processing teams when required.
- Follow Gigacycle’s health and safety, manual-handling and site-security procedures.
Essential experience and skills
- Previous professional experience repairing or refurbishing laptops and desktop computers.
- Practical experience assembling desktop or gaming PCs.
- Strong knowledge of computer components and hardware compatibility.
- Ability to diagnose common hardware, firmware and operating-system faults.
- Experience replacing and upgrading internal computer components.
- Experience installing Windows, device drivers and firmware.
- Understanding of BIOS/UEFI configuration and boot processes.
- Ability to test completed systems for temperature, stability and performance.
- Good understanding of electrostatic-discharge precautions and safe component handling.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing reliable, professionally finished equipment.
- Accurate record-keeping and data-entry skills.
- Ability to follow technical, quality-control and security procedures.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a busy processing environment.
- Comfortable handling and moving IT equipment within safe manual-handling limits.
Desirable experience
- Previous experience in IT asset disposition, computer recycling, refurbishment or electronics repair.
- Experience using professional data-erasure and diagnostic software.
- Experience refurbishing equipment from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple and other leading manufacturers.
- Advanced knowledge of gaming hardware, thermals, airflow, RGB systems and performance optimisation.
- Experience installing air and all-in-one liquid cooling systems.
- Familiarity with hardware benchmarking and stress-testing tools.
- Experience repairing laptop screens, keyboards, charging systems and internal components.
- Basic soldering or board-level repair skills.
- Knowledge of GDPR, WEEE requirements and secure IT asset processing.
- Relevant IT, electronics or hardware-repair qualifications.
The person we are looking for
You will:
- Have a genuine interest in computers, gaming hardware and emerging technology.
- Take pride in the appearance, reliability and performance of every completed system.
- Approach fault diagnosis calmly and methodically.
- Be productive without cutting corners on quality or security.
- Understand the importance of protecting client equipment and information.
- Be dependable, organised and comfortable working to defined procedures.
- Communicate clearly with technicians, warehouse staff and management.
- Be willing to learn new equipment, software and refurbishment processes.
- Speak up when equipment does not meet the required standard.
Security screening
Gigacycle operates a secure IT asset-processing facility. Employment will therefore be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, which may include:
- Identity and right-to-work checks.
- Address and employment-history verification.
- Employment and character references.
- A satisfactory DBS check.
- Compliance with Gigacycle’s site-security requirements.
What Gigacycle offers
- A competitive salary of £27500–£29,000, depending on experience.
- Full-time, permanent employment.
- The opportunity to work with a wide range of business and gaming hardware.
- Training in secure IT asset processing and data sanitisation.
- Opportunities to develop advanced repair, refurbishment and quality-control skills.
- Potential progression into a Senior Technician, Quality Control Technician or Technical Team Leader position.
- A hands-on role contributing directly to reuse, sustainability and the reduction of electronic waste.
- Additional company benefits confirmed during the recruitment process.
How to apply
Please submit your CV together with a short summary of your experience in computer repair, IT refurbishment and custom-PC building.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to complete a practical assessment covering:
- Hardware identification and compatibility.
- Fault diagnosis.
- Component installation.
- PC assembly and cable management.
- Equipment testing and quality control.
Gigacycle is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £27,500.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- How many years of professional experience do you have testing, repairing or refurbishing laptops and desktop computers?
- Please describe a hardware fault you diagnosed and repaired, including the steps and diagnostic tools you used.
- What experience do you have building custom or gaming PCs, checking component compatibility and carrying out stability and temperature testing?
- Have you used data-erasure, asset-management or hardware-grading systems within an IT refurbishment or ITAD environment? If yes, please provide details.
- Are you able to work full-time on-site at Gigacycle’s facility in Irlam, Manchester, and complete the required security screening, including identity, reference and DBS checks?
Work Location: In person
