CNC Precision Manufacturing Engineer

RAL Space: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Contract Type: Open-Ended

Hours: Full time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Together, STFC’s scientists, technologists, Engineers, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity. Your output will support state-of-the-art instrumentation for major international instrumentation projects for the European Space Agency, UK Research Councils, and leading national and international customers. 

You will produce components, often unique in design, to the most exacting tolerances and dimensions in a modern environment, using highly advanced machinery such as a 5-axis KERN Micro HD, a KERN Pyramid Nano and KERN MMP CNC milling machines and a Precitech Nanoform-X diamond lathe. You will play a crucial role in the precision manufacture of components, offering rapid turnaround manufacture of critical spaceflight and ground-based hardware to meet or exceed customers’ expectations on quality. You will also provide critical close support to other science programmes at STFC that rely on the production of novel miniature complex geometries.

The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting and Interview:

• Quality of cover letter.

It is essential that you have:

• A recognised apprenticeship in engineering, with at least a BTEC level 3 qualification in an engineering discipline. Appropriate experience may be substituted for formal qualifications.
• A proven ability in setting, operating and programming 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines and at least one of these controllers; Heidenhain, Seimens Fanuc and WinMAX, as found on KERN, DMG, HAAS and HURCO CNC machines.
• An in-depth knowledge of machining equipment, including the ability to use judgement and safe practices along with some experience in offline programming using CAM software.
• An ability to read, interpret and explain engineering drawings to BS8888 ISO Standard and proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Good communication skills and an ability to produce written reports to an appropriate standard for ISO documentation, operational instructions, and procedures.

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn –about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.

Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 07710 115815.

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