Job Description

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.





Now is an exciting time to join Diamond as we are currently at the early stages of a major upgrade of the facility. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, this will continue to build on Diamond's world-leading position, and enable us to continue to deliver brilliant science, tackling some of the most challenging scientific questions of the 21st century.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Project Engineer or Senior Engineer to join our engineering group on a 3-year fixed term contract, to contribute to the development of innovative equipment that enables world class scientific research to take place at Diamond.



You will contribute to the definition, design, development and construction of the Diamond Accelerators and Beamlines that generate and transport light to the scientific samples; this will include:


Contributing to and leading the delivery of a range of Diamond projects; providing creative, innovative, and adaptive solutions. Negotiating, agreeing, and writing technical specifications. Producing engineering designs utilising CAD. Developing and documenting assembly processes. Analysis using analytical and FEA tools. Test and Validation of prototypes. Management of project files containing all relevant project documentation. Leading Risk Assessment and pursuing solutions to mitigate risks. Monitoring operational performance, identifying areas for improvement, proposing, and implementing solutions.




Applicants will be considered at either Mechanical Project Engineer or Senior Mechanical Project Engineer level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.

About You

You will be a skilled and experienced Mechanical Engineer with an Engineering degree or significant equivalent experience.



You will have experience in the delivery of complex equipment including developing specifications, concept designs, taking detailed designs through to manufacture, testing, installation, and commissioning.



You will also demonstrate knowledge / experience in some of the following areas:


Designing systems that operate under challenging conditions such as Ultra High Vacuum or cryogenic temperatures. Precision mechanisms. Data analysis tools such as Mathcad, Matlab, Python etc. Engineering drawings and 3D modelling systems. Modern manufacturing methods including additive manufacturing techniques. Risk assessments and understanding the requirements of such directives as the Machinery Directive. Working with multi-disciplinary teams.




To be considered at the senior role, you will also demonstrate some of the following:


Experience in project management. An excellent working knowledge of engineering drawings. Metrology methods and techniques for micro and large-scale component inspection and alignment. Experience developing complex mechanical systems. Material selection. The ability to lead, motivate and manage staff and contractor.




Good communication skills are critical, with the ability to discuss ideas, present possible solutions, debate and collaborate at all stages of the projects with other disciplines.





You must be able to travel on work related business on occasions with some overnight stays.

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 either 2,250 or 3,000 for the senior role 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 15

th

May 2025.