(Senior) Mechanical Technician
About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.
At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy.
About the Role
We now have an opportunity for a Mechanical Technician or Senior Mechanical Technician to join our team on a 3-year fixed term contract.
As a Mechanical Technician, you will play a key role in the hands-on mechanical assembly, alignment, and installation of high-precision components and systems. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you’ll help deliver the next generation of synchrotron science infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assemble and install mechanical systems including vacuum chambers, magnets, supports, shielding, water and air systems.
- Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure accurate assembly.
- Perform precision alignment and mechanical testing of installed systems to within 10’s of microns.
- Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other technicians to meet project milestones.
- Maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness, and documentation.
- Act as competent person for lifting operations when trained and registered.
- Drive Tug and Trailer, and Forklift Truck when trained and registered.
As a Senior Mechanical Technician you will:
- Work closely with other technical, engineering, and scientific staff to develop designs for new systems, equipment, and processes.
- Lead initial fault finding on installed mechanical equipment (Water, air, mechanical systems)
- Contribute and write risk and method statements; ensuring that all work is carried out safely and using the correct processes such as ATW and PTW.
- Carry out inspection and acceptance testing of components and subsystems using standard metrology equipment.
- Provide task supervision for junior staff, apprentices and contractors.
Applicants will be considered at either Mechanical Technician or Senior Mechanical Technician level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.
About You
Essential:
- Recognised qualification in mechanical engineering (e.g. HNC/HND, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent). Applicants with equivalent work experience will also be considered.
- Proven experience in mechanical assembly, preferably in a scientific or high-tech environment or equivalent complexity.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
Experience in at least one of the following areas is desirable: Cryogenics, permanent magnets, high pressures, ultra-high vacuum, Swagelok, water services pipework.
To be considered at Senior level, you will also demonstrate experience of some of the below:
- Producing simple engineering drawings/sketches.
- Operating manual or CNC machine tools.
- Mechanical inspection & metrology tools.
- Legislation such as LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, PSSR etc.
You must be available to work flexibly during commissioning and later operations when there will be periods of intense activity to meet deadlines.
Some travel may be required usually within the UK and with occasional overnight stays.
Benefits
Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
To Apply
Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
The closing date for applications is 8th June 2025 with interviews scheduled for 24th, 25th and 26th June 2025
Other information
Diamond is open to different ways of working and we are committed to supporting our employees to have more flexibility and autonomy over where, when and how long they work.
Where relevant, and possible for the role, we will consider flexible working arrangements, secondment and job share opportunities.
Diamond attracts talented individuals from around the world and currently employ 56 different nationalities. Reflecting trends in our sector we employ more men than women. Therefore, we particularly welcome applications from suitably qualified women.
If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.
Diamond are members of Working Families (the UK’s work-life balance organisation) and we have also achieved the Disability Confident Level Two award.
This position doesn't meet the requirements for UK visa sponsorship, except potentially for those people switching from another UK Skilled Worker Visa (obtained prior to 04/04/2024), meeting the criteria of a new entrant or where a PhD is held and is an essential criteria of the vacancy.
For more information please visit - Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)