Senior Electronics Engineer

NHS; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in public health is seeking a Senior Electronics Engineer to design, develop, and maintain electronic systems for public safety. This role involves key responsibilities such as programming microcontrollers and managing projects in a dynamic environment. Suitable candidates will have a master's degree in electronic engineering and strong practical skills in electronics.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent work experience in electronic engineering.
• Experience in advanced application programming.
• Practical skills in electronics and electromechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electronic and electromechanical equipment.
• Manage projects and external contractors.
• Write technical specifications and documentation.

Skills

Project Management

Electronics Design

Microcontroller Programming

Communication Skills

Construction Techniques

Testing Equipment Usage

Education

Master's degree in electronic engineering

Tools

CAD Software

Electronic Test Equipment

Job description

Job summary

UKHSA's Radiation, Chemical, Climate and Environment (RCCE) Hazards Directorate provides advice, research and services to protect the public from exposure to chemicals and poisons, ionising and non-ionising radiation, and other environmental hazards. RCCE provides a specialist assessment and advice function within UKHSA's overall response as a Category 1 responder to radiation and chemical emergencies.

The Radiation Dosimetry Department provides authoritative public health information and advice about exposures to lasers and optical radiation, electromagnetic fields, and ionising radiation used for medical diagnostic imaging. In addition, the department provides the secretariat to the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) and a Technology Development Group.

Main duties of the job

The Technology Development Group (TDG) provides a design, construction and maintenance service for bespoke scientific equipment and systems that are used across the Directorate. The Senior Electronics Engineer role is to:

• design, develop and construct electronic and electromechanical equipment.
• write software for bespoke electronic and electromechanical equipment and systems.
• write Technical Specifications and Documentation.
• support and maintain electronic and electromechanical equipment and systems.
• manage contractors.
• assist and advise CRCE staff on relevant technologies.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details Date posted

09 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£42,758 to £48,543 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-HM-302621-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Chilton

Harwell Campus

Didcot

OX11 0RQ

Job description Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Design, development and construction of electronic equipment and systems. This covers digital and analogue design, the use of microcontrollers, control systems and data acquisition.
• Design and development of electromechanical equipment with electronic control systems.
• Programming of microcontrollers using various development tools and environments.
• High-level language programming for control and data acquisition systems including PC interfacing.
• Work on safety related control systems (safety interlocking) for radiological and machinery safety.
• Commissioning and testing of equipment.
• Modification of existing equipment.
• Fault diagnosis and maintenance of electronic and electromechanical equipment and systems.
• Managing assigned projects following good project management techniques.
• Managing external contractors.
• Writing detailed specifications in conjunction with internal customers.
• Writing user guides and other documentation for equipment and systems.
• Providing advice to scientific staff on the purchase and use of electronic equipment.
• Deputise for the Technology Development Group leader in their absence.

Also

• There will be an occasional need to work irregular hours.
• There will also be a requirement to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.

Other

• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Directorate.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
• It should be noted that the work of the directorate is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 17 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)

• 1500-word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essentialcriteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Master's degree qualified in electronic engineering or can demonstrate equivalent masters level work-based learning and have gained the appropriate competencies through education, further training and working experience

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a practical test at interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton.

If based at one of our labs you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Job description Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Design, development and construction of electronic equipment and systems. This covers digital and analogue design, the use of microcontrollers, control systems and data acquisition.
• Design and development of electromechanical equipment with electronic control systems.
• Programming of microcontrollers using various development tools and environments.
• High-level language programming for control and data acquisition systems including PC interfacing.
• Work on safety related control systems (safety interlocking) for radiological and machinery safety.
• Commissioning and testing of equipment.
• Modification of existing equipment.
• Fault diagnosis and maintenance of electronic and electromechanical equipment and systems.
• Managing assigned projects following good project management techniques.
• Managing external contractors.
• Writing detailed specifications in conjunction with internal customers.
• Writing user guides and other documentation for equipment and systems.
• Providing advice to scientific staff on the purchase and use of electronic equipment.
• Deputise for the Technology Development Group leader in their absence.

Also

• There will be an occasional need to work irregular hours.
• There will also be a requirement to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas.

Other

• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Directorate.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
• It should be noted that the work of the directorate is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 17 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)

• 1500-word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essentialcriteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Master's degree qualified in electronic engineering or can demonstrate equivalent masters level work-based learning and have gained the appropriate competencies through education, further training and working experience

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a practical test at interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Chilton.

If based at one of our labs you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Person Specification Essential criteria Essential

• Master's degree qualified in electronic engineering or can demonstrate equivalent master's level work-based learning and have gained the appropriate competencies through education, further training and working experience
• Experience of applications programming in advanced languages
• Experience of programming micro-controllers
• Practical experience in electrical and electronic construction techniques
• Practical experience of use electronic test equipment such as, oscilloscopes, logic analysers and signal generators
• Knowledge and experience of electronic and electromechanical design, development and support
• Experience of Project Management, including management of external contractors
• Knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering techniques and engineering drawings
• Knowledge of equipment compliance requirements, including CE / UKCA Marking
• Experience of CAD for schematic, PCB, and/or mechanical component design
• Practical construction skills, electronic and mechanical
• Able to manipulate equipment in laboratories, during equipment installations and during field work, including loading/unloading equipment from vehicles
• Prepared to occasionally work away from base location
• Current full UK driving license and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good time management
• Normal colour vision, for the identification of coloured wires and for the identification of colour coded components such as resistors (In line with the Equality Act 2010, any required workplace adjustments to meet this criteria will be considered on a case by case basis at the job offer stage)

Person Specification Essential criteria Essential

• Master's degree qualified in electronic engineering or can demonstrate equivalent master's level work-based learning and have gained the appropriate competencies through education, further training and working experience
• Experience of applications programming in advanced languages
• Experience of programming micro-controllers
• Practical experience in electrical and electronic construction techniques
• Practical experience of use electronic test equipment such as, oscilloscopes, logic analysers and signal generators
• Knowledge and experience of electronic and electromechanical design, development and support
• Experience of Project Management, including management of external contractors
• Knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering techniques and engineering drawings
• Knowledge of equipment compliance requirements, including CE / UKCA Marking
• Experience of CAD for schematic, PCB, and/or mechanical component design
• Practical construction skills, electronic and mechanical
• Able to manipulate equipment in laboratories, during equipment installations and during field work, including loading/unloading equipment from vehicles
• Prepared to occasionally work away from base location
• Current full UK driving license and ability to drive vehicles to off-site locations
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good time management
• Normal colour vision, for the identification of coloured wires and for the identification of colour coded components such as resistors (In line with the Equality Act 2010, any required workplace adjustments to meet this criteria will be considered on a case by case basis at the job offer stage)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Chilton

Harwell Campus

Didcot

OX11 0RQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Chilton

Harwell Campus

Didcot

OX11 0RQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)