Mechanical Engineer – Coring and Marine Systems

British-Antarctic-Survey; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Cambridge seeks a Mechanical Engineer to oversee the integration of new sediment coring systems onto the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) and to maintain mechanical systems on ships and during polar cruises.

You will provide mechanical engineering support for projects, work with engineering and science teams across the UK and in remote polar regions, and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes within the BAS Engineering and Technology group.

Qualifications

• Broad, practical mechanical experience.
• HNC or higher.
• Experience using design software.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrable teamwork.
• Ability to work on ship or in remote polar environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee integration of piston corer and giant piston corer onto the SDA.
• Provide mechanical engineering support and deliver projects to science and operations teams.
• Maintain, fault-find and support mechanical systems on ships and polar locations.
• Collaborate with engineering and science teams to plan and deliver projects safely and efficiently.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems and practices.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role.

Skills

Mechanical experience

HNC or higher

Design software

English proficiency

Teamwork

Ship/remote polar work

Education

HNC or higher

Relevant degree or extensive experience

Tools

Design software

Job description

British Antarctic Survey

BAS 26/78

Contract type Fixed-Term Contract – 36 months

Location BAS Cambridge

Salary Band D S1 £46,444 - £51,088 per annum

Closing date 23/11/2026 22:55

Interview date 08/12/2026

Overview

Purpose

To oversee the integration of the two new Sediment coring systems onto the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) and to maintain scientific or operational mechanical based systems and to support scientific cruises on board research ships.

Duties

• To oversee the integration of the new Piston Corer and the Giant Piston Corer onto the SDA.
• Provide mechanical engineering support and deliver engineering projects to scientific and operational teams based in the UK, on board research vessels, and in polar regions.
• Maintain, fault-find, and support scientific and operational mechanical systems, including equipment deployed on ships and at remote polar locations.
• Work collaboratively with engineering and science teams to plan and deliver projects and tasks safely, efficiently, and to agreed standards.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems, and working practices within Engineering and Technology.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility, as required.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential

• Broad, practical, mechanical experience.
• Relevant HNC or higher.
• Experience use of design software.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrable teamwork .
• Ability to work on ship or remote polar environment.

Desirable

• Polar or marine systems.
• Scientific or data acquisition instruments.
• Maintenance of mechanical systems. Control systems.
• Maintenance of hydraulic systems.
• Coring experience.
• Relevant Degree or lower qualification supported by extensive experience.
• Project management for small projects.
• Able to communicate to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Small or remote team experience.

Three Women, Three Very Different Paths into BAS Engineering - VERCIDA

Women in Engineering at British Antarctic Survey - VERCIDA

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the UKRI Internal Movement Guidance for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and your HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.