Mechanical Support Technician Didcot, England
Job description
Science and Technology Facilities Council
ISIS Instrument Support/Chopper Technician
Salary: £25702 to £27938 per annum (dependent on skills and experience). A Specialist Allowance of up to £2000 per annum is also available for this role.
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Background
Here at ISIS we have a suite of neutron instruments across two Target Stations. Some of our instruments have neutron choppers installed that come in all shapes and sizes and operate to allow specific parts of the neutron beam to be captured by our scientists. The chopper team currently supports over 40 operational choppers and is responsible for the development of new chopper systems, including single and double disc choppers and FERMI choppers that run on magnetic bearings up to 36000rpm. The choppers are an essential high-speed rotating, electro-mechanical component used across ISIS beamlines and have to be available 24/7 during a machine cycle so it’s essential that we provide a support service for the entire system that includes all routine servicing and upgrades.
We have recently received funding for the ISIS Endeavour Project to upgrade/build a suite of new beamlines to help us retain our position as a world leading pulsed neutron source. As a chopper technician you will also support the design, build and commissioning of chopper systems for our collaboration with the European Spallation Source in Sweden.
At our facilities in ISIS you will be involved in the assembly, testing, installation, maintenance, commissioning and on-going support so if you are looking for a technical role that is interesting and varied, this could be for you.
List of Duties or Work Programme
- Providing day to day technical support for beamline choppers.
- Liaison and negotiation with other technical teams, instrument scientists and external users when faults arise.
- Setting up and fault-finding these systems.
- Assisting in the precision assembly and commissioning of new chopper systems.
- Taking on 24/7 support duties as part of the User Support Group on-call team.
- Producing maintenance systems and records.
- Ordering and maintaining spares for the various chopper systems.
- Assisting in the development of new systems.
Contacts and Communication
Chopper technicians liaise on a day-to-day basis with our instrument users and technical engineering support staff from within ISIS and the wider RAL environment. Regular efficient contact with external suppliers of both spares and off-the-shelf special systems is also required.
Technicians must be able to communicate effectively on a detailed technical level across multiple platforms and will need to have good negotiation skills. You will be responsible for taking decisions that affect the operation our suite of beamlines and must be able to come to such decisions quickly, taking operational safety and rapid diagnostics/repair into account.
Written record keeping and repair/maintenance documentation are also important on a daily basis. This necessitates general computing competence (Microsoft Office Suite and the capability to learn to use technical data monitoring software).
Personal Skills and Attributes Required
- Experienced hands-on mechanical Engineer.
- Experience of high-speed electro-mechanical equipment.
- Basic understanding of engineering drawing.
- Capability to trouble-shoot and problem-solve complex and interdependent faults.
- Diagnostic skills.
- Calm under pressure.
- Self-motivated.
Any other relevant information
- Must take on a full share of on-call duties (66% of cycle, evenings and weekends).
- Must be willing to work in an environment with Ionising Radiation as a monitored worker.
- Fit, active and able to work in designated ‘Confined Spaces’.
- A knowledge of Health Physics issues is advantageous.
- Driving licence desirable.
- Fixed crane experience advantageous.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
