Senior Beamline Mechanical Technician - SWIFT

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement 

About Us

Diamond Light Source is one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities. We’re home to the UK’s synchrotron light source – a giant microscope producing beams of light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Probing the structure and composition of matter, our work drives innovation in everything from vaccines to nanotech.

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

The Spectroscopy Group at Diamond comprises three operational beamlines (I18, B18 and I20) that provide state-of-the-art instrumentation dedicated to X-Ray Absorption and Emission spectroscopies in the Hard X-ray range. In addition, a new flagship beamline (SWIFT) is in advanced design phase and will be built as part of the Diamond-II upgrade program. X-ray spectroscopic techniques are used by a large and interdisciplinary community of academic and industrial users, with applications spanning from the research of new energy storage materials to the environmental and heritage sciences. 

We now have an opportunity for a Senior Mechanical Beamline Technician to join the SWIFT beamline project team. 

Your main duties will include: 

• Support the scientists and technical support groups associated with the beamlines during beamline construction. Lead and coordinate the installation and assembly of scientific instrumentation and beamline infrastructure.
• Support the maintenance, commissioning, and beamline operations working with the beamline scientists and engineers in designing and installing new beamline equipment as part of upgrades.
• Ensuring that all beamline work is carried out in a safe manner, and that the equipment is appropriately integrated and installed.

As you will be part of the Spectroscopy Group, you will also contribute to the Group activities such as:

• Work with other staff from the four beamlines of the Spectroscopy group to support their operations.
• Helping users to carry out experiments, machining small pieces of equipment such as sample holders, and integrating ancillary equipment into the experimental areas.

About You

You should have significant experience supporting construction and operation of scientific instrumentation.

You will hold a ONC or GNVQ (or equivalent) level 2 qualification although applicants with equivalent work experience will also be considered.

You should have proven experience in at least one of the following areas: cryogenics, precision mechanics, ultra-high vacuum and high-vacuum, specialist gases, welding. As well as familiarity with using quality assurance procedures, work planning and safe systems of work, including risk assessments, permit to work, written SOPs etc.

You will also have experience using cranes and slings etc. for heavy lifting and line management.

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. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

Our campus-based location, with open green space, offers sports pitches, an outdoor gym, as well as a network of cycle, running and walking routes. Staff also have access to a range of onsite amenities including cafes, restaurants, a daycare nursery and free on-site parking.

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement

Immigration / Sponsorship

This position meets a SOC code that is on the UK Government’s Temporary Shortage List. This brings with it restrictions on our ability to sponsor non-UK & Irish nationals. 

At Senior Technician level we could sponsor any eligible individuals, however, under recent changes to the UK Immigration system, such employment could only be on a fixed term basis, and individuals that are relocating to the UK to take up employment against a position matched to a Temporary Shortage List SOC code would not be able to bring dependants with them to the UK. 

Please do not apply to this vacancy if you require sponsorship and do not meet the above criteria, sponsorship outside of this criteria is impossible.

Skilled Worker visa: temporary shortage list - GOV.UK

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 28th June 2026, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.