Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £31,931 to £34,709 per annum (based on skills and experience, plus an 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, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington due to the nature of the work

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation, and our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

The Metrology and Technical Engineering Group (MMTE) is part of the Engineering Technology Centre (ETC) within the Technology Department at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory. MMTE project manages and supports a wide spectrum of mechanical, technical and vacuum engineering, within a broad portfolio of STFC and external customer projects and deliverables. MMTE provides mechanical engineering expertise in the manufacture, build, installation and commissioning of complex experimental equipment, along with ongoing operational support and fault finding on STFC Particle accelerators (e.g. CLARA/FEBE) and within work packages for other departments and international scientific facilities such as ESS, CERN and FERMILAB.

About the role

We have a fantastic opportunity for a number of experienced Senior Technicians. Within MMTE portfolio there are several projects based mechanical teams, and these new posts will lead small teams of technicians and manage the day-to-day tasks and project activities. These roles are principally support project work including procurement, installation, commissioning of engineering / scientific equipment, QA/QC and operations, to test and qualify particle accelerator components following defined processes and standards. Candidates should have a broad understanding of engineering principles and should have in-depth knowledge in some specific areas of particle accelerator type technologies, such as high vacuum or cryogenic engineering or cleanroom and particulate control technology.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineering Technician, responsibilities will include:

• Taking responsibility (with training available) for leading a specific functional or discipline area(s) within a small multi-disciplinary team.
• Attending various meetings when required to liaise with Project Managers and other engineering sections to provide a flexible technical service.
• Technical support of the installation, operation and maintenance function, requiring a practical approach to problem solving and responding rapidly to changing priorities.
• Establishing and maintaining safe and efficient working arrangements in compliance with all safety legislation.
• Working within and contributing to our BSI ISO9001:2015 quality system.
• An opportunity to work on vacuum systems, cryogenic engineering and cleanroom/particulate control technology.
• After training, take responsibility for permits to work, specific risk assessments and method statements.
• Assembly and commissioning of high end/bespoke particle accelerator components and related equipment and infrastructure.
• Management of internal and contract staff; employed on above duties.

Person Specification

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

Essential

• Either a recognised Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship or demonstrable equivalent experience; or an ONC level engineering qualification or extensive equivalent experience. (S)
• Experience of working within an ISO9001 or similar quality environment. (S)
• Background knowledge of particle accelerator type or other advanced scientific or engineering technologies. (S)
• Working knowledge or experience of particle accelerator type technologies and instrumentation. (I)
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and manage others including contractors. (I)
• Good knowledge of safe working and current safety regulations. (I)
• Ability to solve problems and fault-find problems across full engineering life cycle. (I)
• Ability to prioritise work with competing demands, working using own initiative and being proactive. (I)
• Good communication skills both verbal and written. (S&I)
• Ability to precisely follow procedures and detailed working instruction. (I)
• Good Interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team. (I)
• Computer skills: good working knowledge of MS Office products (Word, Access, Excel, Project etc.) (I)

Desirable

• Advanced engineering qualification HNC/HND in a relevant Engineering or Scientific discipline. (S)
• Experience developing processes or procedures within an ISO9001 or similar quality system. (S)
• Safety qualification e.g. IOSH Managing Safety, NEBOSH Certificate. (S)
• Working knowledge or experience of particulate controls (cleanroom) e.g. ISO4 or equivalent. (S)
• Working knowledge or experience of UHV vacuum technology. (S)
• Working knowledge or experience of superconducting radio frequency technology. (S)
• Working knowledge or experience of cryogenic systems. (S)
• Working knowledge or experience of other accelerator type technology. (S)
• Working knowledge or experience of Particulate control (cleanroom) e.g. ISO4 or equivalent. (I)
• Working knowledge or experience of UHV vacuum technology. (I)
• Working knowledge or experience of superconducting RF technology. (I)
• Working knowledge or experience of other accelerator type technology. (I)
• Systems Engineering experience or formal qualification. (I)
• Knowledge of ISO9001 quality system. (I)
• 5S workplace processes. (I)