Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: 35,049 per annum + 1,000 welcome bonus

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Location:

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Closing date: 19th October 2025

Assessment Centre: December 2025 / January 2026

Start date: September 2026

The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on the growing Harwell campus, is used for pioneering research in material and biological sciences. The controls group is responsible for the numerous control systems and neutron choppers used in the production of neutrons and muons across the facility. Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are used extensively.


ISIS is continuously aspiring to develop and deploy world-class technology and infrastructure, and as such this has generated a wide variety of exciting opportunities for controls systems development and upgrade projects across the facility. Examples of this include controls systems for new instruments and upgrades, and the upgrade of existing interlock control systems and neutron chopper systems. The majority of these systems are Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based and are designed and programmed in-house.


This means we are now on the lookout for a graduate to come and join our complementary team as Instrumentation and Controls Engineer!

Graduate Scheme

The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development.


Our dedicated Graduate Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Review existing control systems hardware and develop specifications for new PLC-based control systems. This will require collaboration with other scientists and engineers across ISIS. Design, program and maintain PLC-based plant and motion control systems, taking into account advances in hardware and programming environments in order to improve the efficiency and availability of the accelerator and targets. Engineering drawings and technical documentation will be produced using AutoCAD (or similar) and other office software packages. Participate in collaborations with other accelerators and science facilities around world to keep ISIS at the forefront of accelerator controls development. This will involve attending both national and international conferences to promote ongoing work at ISIS and undertaking placements at other facilities, either abroad or locally. Assist with keeping the ISIS control systems operational including fault-finding, bug fixing, repair and maintenance, the integration of new features into existing applications and improving current working methodologies.

Person Specification

In order to apply for the role we are looking for the following:

Essential:

Achieved, or be on course to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree, in a relevant field of study (S) Have the right to live and work in the UK at time of starting employment (S) Evidence of practical experience in designing and building programmable control systems (S&I) Knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or relay logic (S&I) An understanding of electronic circuit, control theory and electrical safety relevant to the role. Able to interpret electrical and mechanical drawings (S&I) A logical approach to solving sophisticated problems; able to adapt to a changing environment (I) Effective communication skills; able to give and follow clear instruction, explain and listen to ideas with colleagues of all levels (S&I) Takes ownership for their own work; producing quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner; thorough and pays attention to detail; thoughtful of consequences (I) Competent in the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD), programming software and common office software packages in producing control system designs (S)

Desirable:

IET accredited degree (S) Experience working with PLCs and/or Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), a knowledge of PLC communications protocols and ladder logic (S&I) Proficient in AutoCAD or similar (S&I) Willing and able to work in an environment containing controlled levels of radiation and/or electromagnetic hazards. (I)

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including:


30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days). Flexible working hours. An excellent defined average salary pension scheme. Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking. Excellent learning and development opportunities. Cycle to work scheme.
Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/


Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact stfcgraduates@ukri.org.

Application Guidance

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.


Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.


Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.


We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.


What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!