(Senior) Mechanical Design Engineer / Mechanical Designer

As standard this role offers a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 3 days working onsite per week.

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.

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 an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer / Mechanical Designer on a 4-year fixed term contract, to provide mechanical engineering design support to the technical systems of the Diamond facility

Responsibilities will include

• Working closely with internal & external scientific and engineering staff to produce mechanical designs for projects.
• Developing and applying expertise in technologies including ultra-high vacuum systems, stable support structures, precision mechanisms, cryogenics and the general design of scientific equipment and plant.
• Producing concept designs, layouts, assembly drawings and detailed manufacturing drawings employing AutoCAD and Creo software.
• Carrying out calculations and FEA as competence and supervision allow.
• Assisting with / procurement of equipment through commercial suppliers.

About You

You will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics or equivalent in relevant discipline.

• Demonstrate industry experience in mechanical engineering, with excellent working knowledge of engineering drawings.
• Proven design experience of materials selection, joining and manufacturing techniques, with advanced level knowledge of a 3D CAD system with hands on experience.
• Have the ability to provide ideas and creative solutions.
• Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with peers, customers and suppliers.

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.

This role qualifies for a non-pensionable allowance of £2,250 per annum.

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 31st May 2026

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