Mechatronic & Controls Technician

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC); East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job description

Mechatronic and Controls Technician

Salary: Electrical Engineer - £44,982 or Electronics Technician - £56,509 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)

Hours: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Join the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Electrical and Electronic User Support Group (EEUSG) and become an integral part of our dynamic Mechatronics Control Section!

Our team delivers crucial operational and maintenance services for a diverse range of systems, facilitating numerous scientific experiments at ISIS annually. We specialise in supporting mechatronic systems, Sample Environment, and Functional Safety systems.

Our mechatronic systems play a pivotal role in enabling world-leading science at the ISIS by allowing researchers to configure the instruments for experimental setups. These systems range from small stepper-driven linear positioning systems, piezo driven vacuum motion, and large servo systems all working at micron level accuracy.

Role Overview

As a key member of the mechatronics section, you will take a practical, hands-on role, responsibility for all aspects of supporting motion control equipment on our instruments that will include:

• Maintenance Planning.
• Repair, Maintenance and Fault Finding.
• Collaboration.
• Design Reviews & Continuous Improvement.
• The opportunity to present your work at conferences and workshops both in the UK and internationally.
• Mentorship.
• Testing, Commissioning, and Support.
• Integration Support for scientific equipment for experiments.

Additionally, an Electronics Technician's responsibilities will also include:

• Working more independently to resolve complex maintenance issues, lead the planning and implementation of safe work methods, and supervise junior staff.

Operational Support: ISIS operates a 24/7 user cycle when the accelerator is running (approx. 180 days/year). Our technical staff provide support outside of normal working hours through a payable (additional allowances) on-call system.

About You:

• Qualified HNC or above (HND, MEng, MSc, BEng) in a relevant engineering discipline or extensive experience in Mechatronics, Robotics, or Controls engineering.
• Demonstrable experience of mechatronic systems within an industrial or scientific setting which could include:
• Experience in machine building and alignment of mechatronic systems.
• Proficiency in the assembly of electrical systems and cabling such as wiring, crimping, and soldering of motion stages or panel building.
• Setup and configuration of motion controllers or PLC systems.
• Proficiency with mechanical hand tools.
• Ability to critically analyse systems and diagnose root cause failures.
• Knowledge of safety systems and isolation.
• Experience of working with Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).

Employee Benefits

STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days), Flexible working hours, an excellent defined average salary pension scheme, employee shopping/travel discounts, and excellent learning and development opportunities.

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

How to Apply

Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, matched with the criteria. To apply for the role and see the full job description, click on the below:

The closing date for applications is 11th May 2025.