Senior Experiment Support Technician

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £31,931 to £34,709 per annum (plus annual role-based allowance of £2,000)
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: This role will be based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire due to the nature of the work

The Central Laser Facility (CLF) is one of the world’s leading laser centres, providing scientists mainly from the UK and continental Europe with access to an unparalleled range of pioneering laser technology. The CLF has around 180 staff and its function - user facility, international research – makes it a very friendly, outgoing, externally facing sort of place. It has a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.

The CLF is building a new laser centre - the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC) and is seeking new team members to help to build this and to contribute to our existing facilities. EPAC is an £81M facility that will use lasers developed by our team to drive new types of novel particle and radiation beams that can be applied to a wide range of problems in science and industry.

The Engineering Division within CLF provides mechanical and electrical engineering solutions to enable laser scientists and Facility users to utilise the laser technology for R&D and fundamental research.

The diverse range of research utilising lasers covers things like: climate modelling, fundamental physics, medical imaging, oncology, security etc. and this requires a vast range of engineering systems to deliver it. These systems include vacuum, cryogenics, high pressure gasses, exotic gases, motion control systems, diagnostic systems, optical systems, and mechanical and electrical services.

The quantity and complexity of international projects and experiments are increasing, forcing an expansion in the engineering team to deliver mechanical or electro-mechanical assembly and installation (and machining where necessary), maintenance and operation of facility plant and services, plus testing and commissioning of multi-disciplinary engineering systems.

Working within the CLF Mechanical Engineering Technician team, under the broader remit of a project engineer or manager, you will be responsible for the safe assembly, installation and operation of mechanical and electrical devices. You will manage the installation and problem solve any unforeseen issues that arise.

The duties of the role include:

• Using engineering drawings to assemble and install mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Managing an installation plan and processes to meet project requirements.
• Managing testing and commissioning plans.
• Ensuring safe and efficient operation of relevant plant and services.
• Following in-house safety codes and required regulations and where appropriate documenting testing or certification results.
• Reviewing and providing feedback on designs or manufacturing drawings.
• Producing risk assessments, method statements and lifting plans as required.
• Research and procurement of engineering hardware as required.
• Communication with suppliers and facility stakeholders.
• Discussing requirements with scientists and providing innovative thinking and solutions.

Person Specification

Essential:

• HNC/NVQ Level 3/BTEC or equivalent in mechanical engineering and experience working in an engineering field.
• Experience working in a mechanical engineering or multi-disciplinary engineering environment.
• Have a good understanding of fundamental mechanical engineering principles, such as:

• Have a good understanding of safe systems of work and associated documentation and procedures.
• Good communication skills with staff at all levels.
• Good organised approach to work.
• Strong self-motivation and good teamwork skills.
• Innovative and inquisitive with a desire to gain skills in a broad range of areas such as:

Desirable:

It is not expected that the candidate will have all of the following attributes, but some understanding or experience of one or more items below will be beneficial for the role:

• Experience of working in a highly complex technical environment or scientific research environment.
• Able to check or produce 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Knowledge of safety related issues and procedures.
• A broad understanding of other engineering disciplines (civil, electrical etc.).
• Experience of producing risk assessments, lifting plans and method statements.

Early applications are encouraged as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.