Job Description

Mechanical Engineering Technician (DUNE)

Science and Technology Facilities Council


Salary: 32,773 gross per annum, with specialist allowance up to 5000 for highly skilled candidates | Open-ended | Full Time (Daytime shift patterns may be required at points in production process, for which a further allowance will be payable.) | Closing Date: 16th November 2025


Location: Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, Warrington, WA4 4AD


Benefits: 30 days' holiday + 8 bank holidays + 2.5 privilege days + exceptional defined average salary pension + excellent work life balance


Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.


Come and discover how much you can achieve when you're surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

About Us

You will be a member of the Mechanical, Metrology and Technical Engineering Group (MMTE) which is part of the Technology Department based at STFC's Daresbury Laboratory. Within MMTE group there are several engineering teams working in collaboration on some of the world's most exciting and complex scientific facilities, such as CERN LHC, PiPII and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) as well as ongoing operational support for our in-house particle accelerator CLARA.


One current project is the production of an exciting particle physics detector system for the DUNE project. As a Mechanical technician you will become part of the team responsible for the successful completion of the International DUNE project.


Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it is sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. Come and discover how much you can achieve when you work with world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

About you

You will have a broad understanding of Mechanical Engineering with hands-on experience, which is transferable to specific areas of particle accelerator type build and assembly. Also, knowledge of related functions such as vacuum technology, cryogenics and clean room/low particulate environments would be desirable but not essential.

Qualifications

A recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent with demonstrable hands-on experience in a relevant technical engineering role. Preferably you will have ONC or higher engineering qualification and/or extensive relevant knowledge and experience.

Essential

Demonstrable practical mechanical skills. Competence working in a manufacturing or production environment. Ability for hand soldering (evaluated during recruitment process). A team player, also able to complete tasks independently . Good oral and written communication skills. Attention to detail and working within precise tolerances. Experience of working to procedures. Strong documentation and recording skills. A willingness to perform repetitive tasks to consistent quality. An ability to interpret and use data. Good IT skills e.g. Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Commitment to ongoing training and professional development as required to fulfil the duties of the role.

Desirable

ONC or higher engineering qualification. Experience with workshop machine tools. Experience of working within an ISO9001 or similar quality environment . Ability to perform fine hand-soldering operations to IPC level. Safety qualification (eg. IOSH Managing Safety Certificate) would be advantageous but not essential. Experience of operating jib/overhead cranes. Experience of working at height. Understanding and experience of implementing and applying relevant health and safety requirements in a manufacturing environment (e.g. risk assessments, operating procedures, COSHH assessments).

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.


We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn, and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support each other.


As one of Europe's largest research organisations, this is a place where there's always something new to learn about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what's possible.


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 UK 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 Recruitment@ukri.org.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 24 November 2025.