Mechanical Beamline Technician

ZipRecruiter; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in scientific research is seeking a Mechanical Beamline Technician to support operational activities at their facility. The role involves maintaining beamline infrastructure and assisting in scientific experiments. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in mechanical assembly and instrumentation. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including flexible working hours and a defined benefit pension scheme.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Flexible working hours

Defined benefit pension scheme

On-site nursery

Sports and leisure facilities

Qualifications

• Experience in cryogenics, high temperatures, or ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Ability to perform fault finding and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Work on mechanical aspects of scientific instrumentation.
• Conduct regular inspections of installed equipment for safety.
• Assist Diamond scientists with user experiments.

Skills

Mechanical Assembly

Interpreting Mechanical Drawings

Communication

Education

ONC or GNVQ Level 2

Tools

Machining

Milling

Turning

Job description

Job Description

Mechanical Beamline Technician

Salary: £32,363 - £34,429 per annum

Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire

Reference: 11594

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK's synchrotron facility, designed to produce intense beams of X-rays, infrared, and ultraviolet light. Our scientists utilize this light to research a broad spectrum of subjects, from new medicines and treatments to innovative engineering and technology.

About the Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Technician to support the operational and scientific research activities of our I15-1 beamline. This beamline conducts experiments on the local structure of materials across various scientific fields such as catalysis, energy materials, and pharmaceuticals. Experiments are conducted under diverse ambient and non-ambient conditions using bespoke detectors, in situ sample environments, and high-precision, motorized measuring apparatus.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and installing the beamline infrastructure, including instruments, environmental cells, moving and static components, as well as cryogenic and vacuum systems.

You will also have opportunities to contribute to the wider operations of the Crystallography Science Group, which includes three additional beamlines, and participate in development projects within the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on mechanical aspects of scientific instrumentation, including installation of motors and electrical sensors for systems such as vacuum, pneumatics, water flow, and temperature monitoring.
• Design and build simple mechanical devices.
• Assist Diamond scientists with user experiments.
• Conduct regular inspections of installed equipment to ensure safety regulations are met.
• Perform fault finding and troubleshooting.
• Occasional travel and out-of-hours work may be required.

About You

You will hold a qualification such as ONC or GNVQ Level 2 (or equivalent), or demonstrate equivalent work experience.

Essential knowledge and experience include:

• Performing intricate mechanical and electrical assembly tasks.
• Interpreting mechanical drawings.
• Supervising and coordinating installation and commissioning of equipment.
• Machining, milling, and turning skills.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: cryogenics, high temperatures, magnetic fields/high pressures, ultra-high vacuum, specialist gases, or cooling water systems.

You should also possess good interpersonal and communication skills, and be capable of planning and working independently.

Benefits

Diamond offers an excellent benefits package, including 26 days of annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, two volunteering days, flexible working hours, and a defined benefit pension scheme.

On-site amenities include a nursery, cafes, a restaurant, and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may be available where applicable.

Application Process

Please apply online and include a statement on why you are suitable for this role. The closing date for applications is 8th June.