Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: 35,049 per annum

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

If you are a versatile electronic engineer, integrated circuit designer or semiconductor specialist then we have unrivalled graduate opportunities to match your ambition!


We design Integrated Circuits (ICs) in a wide range of technologies and develop sophisticated microelectronic systems for projects worldwide. As part of high-profile international collaborations, our systems have helped discover the Higgs boson, our custom ICs and image sensors are used in a plethora of projects from scientific research to bio-medical applications and our specialist support services in IC design methodology are relied upon by researchers throughout the UK and Europe.

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

Based at STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in South Oxfordshire, our graduate engineers are offered permanent contracts and work on real projects from day one. Our leading facilities and exciting work provide outstanding graduate career opportunities including:


Analogue, digital and mixed signal IC design using a wide range of technologies. Design of sophisticated digital systems using FPGAs. Application engineering & consultancy for the latest design tools and Integrated Circuit design flows. Design of CMOS Image Sensors using state-of-art microelectronics technologies.
You will receive all vital technical training, be supported by experienced colleagues including a mentor, encouraged to use your initiative and allowed to demonstrate your innovative engineering skills to reach your full potential.


Having a good understanding of basic electronic principles, an analytical approach to problem solving and dedication to professional development in the continuously evolving and fast-moving world of integrated circuits is encouraged.

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) Have a minimum of three A-levels at grade C or above one of which must be mathematics, or alternative qualifications of an equivalent level (S). Have relevant university projects or course work that gives a wide coverage and good understanding of basic electronic circuits and semiconductor device fundamentals (S&I) Enjoy solving ambitious electronic engineering problems, have an analytical and logical approach to problem solving, and a genuine interest in FPGA systems, ASICs, semiconductor sensors or integrated circuit CAD tools (S&I) Be a self-motivated teammate with a strong aim to acquire new knowledge and keep skills updated in constantly evolving semiconductor technologies (S&I) You'll have good interpersonal skills with the ability to identify and communicate relevant technical information to colleagues, project partners and customers (S&I) Submit a credible application that highlights your relevant skills and project work (S)

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/


As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y

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!