Mechanical Technician/Senior Mechanical Technician

Harwell, Oxfordshire

Full time / Flexible hours considered.

About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth, and environmental sciences.

About the Role
We now have the opportunity for a Mechanical Technician / Senior Mechanical Technician to maintain and support operational and scientific research activities on the I12, the Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing Beamline (JEEP) beamline at Diamond. JEEP is a multi-technique facility that provides intense radiation in the high-energy X-ray spectrum for imaging and diffraction studies of engineering components, materials, and processes, under realistic conditions.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Helping to maintain the equipment (motors and drives, cryogenic, gas and water systems) already existing on the beamline.
• Working with the beamline scientists and engineers in designing and installing new beamline equipment as part of upgrades.
• Interpreting sketches and information to produce simple engineering drawings for machining production or 3D printing.
• Using a mill, lathe, CNC, or similar tools to modify or manufacture mechanical parts.
• Ensuring that all beamline work is carried out safely, using the correct processes and that the equipment is appropriately integrated and installed.
• Fault finding and effecting repairs or modifications during experiments.

Responsibility at the senior level would also include:

• Supervising and coordinating the installation and commissioning of specialist equipment, with cross-groups resource planning.
• Taking part in operational planning, liaising with, and coordinating tasks with members of other specialist technical and engineering support groups.
• Designing and building new equipment and technical assistance to develop new equipment.
• Proactively planning and implementing the execution of routine inspection and maintenance as well as scheduled safety testing and managing the day-to-day running of the equipment.
• Contributing to risk and method statements.

About You
Suitable candidates must have technical experience and hold a ONC or GNVQ level 2 or equivalent level qualification or apprenticeship, though applicants with significant work experience will also be considered.

Experience with cranes and slings etc. for heavy lifting and of working within a large facility would also be advantageous.

For consideration at the senior level proven experience in at least one of the following areas is required:

• Cryogenics and water-cooled systems
• Precision mechanics
• High temperatures/pressures and the handling and use of specialist gases/vapours (including making, testing, and maintaining fitments)
• Ultra-high vacuum systems, fittings, and pumps
• Motion systems
• Scientific instrumentation

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 5^th November 2023.

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