Job Description

Salary:

Band D (S1) 44,982 per annum

Hours:

Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type:

Open-Ended

Location

Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh.


Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers, technicians and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.


Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.

About the role

The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is the UK's national centre for leading-edge astronomical instrumentation and systems. We design and build instrumentation for world-leading astronomy facilities on the ground and in space. Here you will work alongside world-leading scientists, engineers and technologists to develop and build leading-edge scientific instruments.


We have a friendly and flexible work environment, on a beautiful site combining the historic Royal Observatory Edinburgh architecture with a high-tech engineering facility including modern laboratories and cleanrooms.


We are currently seeking a Mechanical Technician to support the development, manufacture, assembly, test, delivery, installation and commissioning of equipment across various ground-based and space-based astronomy projects.


Specifically, your duties will include:


Working as a senior technical person within the Mechanical Technician Team (Engineering Support Group) The manufacture and modification of precision mechanical, optomechanical and electromechanical parts and assemblies to defined requirements. This will include inspection, metrology, fitting and alignment of internally and externally sourced precision parts to verify dimensional and geometric tolerancing, and other quality requirements. Planning, organising and testing of parts, assemblies and mechanisms including the use of environmental test facilities, such as vacuum and cryogenic test systems and cleanroom operations. (Training will be given on specialist equipment and processes). Planning, organising and doing the assembly and test of these parts and assemblies into more complex systems. Planning and coordinating integration, test and commissioning of development and completed systems both on site and occasionally at telescope. Planning, coordinating and doing specialist work within a clean room environment. (Training will be given on specialist equipment and processes). Working and collaborating in cross-functional teams across a variety of projects.

Person Specifications:

ONC or City & Guilds in an appropriate Engineering Mechanical / Manufacture Engineering discipline or equivalent as minimal formal qualification. Time served mechanical technician or machinist with post apprenticeship experience in machining or assembly and / or mechanical maintenance or similar. Including working within a structured engineering environment with an established safety and quality culture. Experience of manufacturing precision parts using a variety of manual or CNC machine tools (e.g. Haas machines) and / or experience of working with precision parts and assemblies including build and test activities. Experience of organising, producing and inspecting technical work to defined safety, quality, and delivery requirements. Experience with safety related processes and regulations relevant to machining, assembly or workshop environment. Able to perform a variety of manual handling and assembly tasks. Understanding of manufacturing drawings, specifications, and instructions, with a working knowledge of relevant engineering standards, and some experience of CAD (e.g. AutoCAD) and CAM software (e.g. EdgeCAM) Evidence of good collaboration skills and working as part of a team including clear verbal and written communication in English.

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 Recruitment@ukri.org.


STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days) and excellent learning and development opportunities. Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/


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, technicians 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.

The closing date for applications is 3rd September 2025.