Electronics Engineer

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences. Our suite of beam instruments gives unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. We support a national and international community of more than 3000 scientists for research into subjects ranging from clean energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals, and health care, through to nanotechnology and materials engineering, catalysis, and polymers, and on to fundamental studies of materials.

The ISIS Electronic and Electrical User Support Group (EEUSG) has a vacancy for an Electronics Engineer to join their Operations Support Section. The section is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and servicing of the electrical and electronic systems that are an integral part of the experimental setups on the ISIS beamlines. Typical systems that you would find yourself working on include:

• Temperature control systems for ISIS Sample Environment - which includes high temperature furnaces and ultra-low temperature cryogenics. You would be involved in the servicing and repair of heaters and sensors, work that requires specialist wiring techniques. You would also be involved with ISIS experimental setups in areas such as data logging, temperature measurement, temperature control and tuning.
• Motion systems that control the beam instruments including the sample position (hardware includes motors, encoders, and system controllers). You would take part in all aspects of maintenance, test, and repair of these systems.
• Routine testing, maintenance, and repair of our Personal Protection Systems (PPS) which make up a pivotal layer of safety for our staff.
• Helping to set up novel experiment configurations that may include high voltage, high current, and electric and magnetic fields (EMFs).
• Ensuring electrical safety integrity of all electrical equipment that is required as part of an experimental setup.

ISIS operates on a 24/7 basis when running, and the group provides technical support outside of normal working hours via the on-call system. You would join the other members of the group in supporting our on-call system. An On-call allowance is payable.

Technical responsibilities: (Band C & D)

• Provide electronics and electrical support to the ISIS beamlines and their experiments, through the provision of fast and effective fault diagnosis and repair.
• Play a pivotal role in the ISIS beam instrument support by assisting scientists with their experiment set up needs. You could be called upon to design and manufacture custom pieces of equipment that would enable the scientists to perform new and unique types of experiments.
• You would have areas of responsibility within our Preventative Maintenance programme. You would be assigned specific equipment to look after and would report any issues to the Operations Section leader.
• You would get involved in the maintenance, test, and repair of a growing number of motion control systems that are used to move parts of the instruments, and the sample being tested.
• You would work with Sample environment equipment, for example thermometry - the temperature control of Closed Cycle Refrigerators and centresticks for ISIS experiments. This work would extend to centrestick wiring, repair and modification and the design, assembly, and maintenance of the temperature control equipment.
• You would get involved in the adaptation of electrical and electronic equipment to meet electrical safety codes. You would ensure that all work is conducted in a safe manner in accordance with STFC Health and Safety codes.
• You would maintain a high level of professional technical proficiency through continuous training either formal courses or attendance of workshops and conferences.

Additional Technical Responsibilities to be appointed at Band D:

• Be the lead technician for specific areas of our operations work.
• Collaborate on ISIS project design reviews ensuring the groups design standards are adhered to.
• Coordinate with scientists and members of Experimental Operations Division to provide the exact Sample Environment configurations for each experimental setup.
• Tackle extra responsibilities as required by the Operations Section Leader

Person Specification

The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

Essential:

• Qualified to HNC or above, or have equivalent experience in Electronic Engineering (S)
• Possess a good range of technical experience outside of academia (such as electronics design work, fault finding skills, test, and repair work) (S&I)
• Have a creative and adaptive approach to solving problems as shown through previous work and achievements (S&I)
• Must have excellent communications skills, written and verbal. The role involves working with other members of ISIS and our visiting scientists. The ability to explain problems and solutions in a concise and informative way is a must. (S&I)
• The candidate must present a high-quality CV and covering letter (S)

Additionally to be appointed at Band D, the following criteria are essential:

• Previous experience as a lead technician with responsibility for a specific body of work and experience in supervising other technicians (S&I)
• Solid understanding of safety systems (for example personal and equipment safety interlock systems, high voltage interlocks and safety systems) (S&I)
• Solid understanding of motion control systems (motors, encoders, motion control systems) (S&I)

Desirbale:

• Hold qualifications relating to electrical safety (S)