Power Electronics Engineer / Senior Power Electronics Engineer

Diamond Light Source; Harwell; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific facility in the UK is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer to develop the next generation of power supplies as part of a major upgrade project. The ideal candidate will hold an Engineering or Science degree and demonstrate strong electrical engineering skills, with experience in power electronics and circuit design. This role requires excellent communication abilities and attention to detail, offering a competitive benefits package and an on-site work environment.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Defined benefit pension scheme

On-site nursery, cafés, and restaurant

Qualifications

• Experience in an industrial or scientific environment relevant to this position.
• Proven practical experience in power electronics.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype power electronics circuits and PCB layouts.
• Model power supplies and their controllers for performance.
• Test and validate prototypes for performance, noise, and EMC.
• Develop automated testing rigs for reliability of power supplies.
• Support development and debugging of FPGA and microcontroller codes.
• Monitor preventive maintenance of power supplies.

Skills

Electrical and electronic circuit principles

Power electronics

Laboratory-based testing techniques

Schematic design and PCB layout

Linear control systems

Circuit simulation software

Power electronics simulation software

Education

Engineering or Science degree

Tools

LTspice

PSpice

Simscape

PLECS

PSIM

MATLAB Simulink

Job description

Location

Harwell, Oxfordshire – onsite

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.

At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond‑II. Diamond‑II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Power Electronics Engineer / Senior Power Electronics Engineer to join our team in developing the next generation of power supplies for the Diamond‑II upgrade project, focusing on quality, reliability, and stability. In this role, you will also address the daily challenges of operating high‑performance magnet power supplies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and prototype power electronics circuits and PCB layouts.
• Model power supplies and their controllers to ensure high performance and stable operation.
• Test and validate prototypes for performance, noise, and EMC.
• Develop automated testing rigs and procedures to evaluate reliability and consistency of power supplies.
• Support the development and debugging of FPGA and microcontroller codes.
• Assist with day‑to‑day operations, shutdowns, and new installations at the Synchrotron.
• Oversee routine monitoring and preventive maintenance of power supplies.
• Participate in on‑call schedules and shifts as required.

About You

You will hold an appropriate Engineering or Science degree, along with proven practical experience in an industrial or scientific environment relevant to this position.

You will also demonstrate:

• Fundamental knowledge of electrical and electronic circuit principles.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in power electronics.
• Basic understanding of laboratory‑based testing and measurement techniques.
• Experience in schematic design and PCB layout.
• Basic understanding of linear control systems and electromagnetic principles and components.
• Proficiency with circuit simulation software like LTspice, PSpice, Simscape, or similar tools.
• Proficiency with power electronics simulation software such as PLECS, PSIM, MATLAB Simulink, or similar platforms.

You will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with management, peers, colleagues, customers, and suppliers. Furthermore, you will demonstrate the ability to generate ideas and creative solutions to design challenges, coupled with excellent attention to detail.

Benefits

Diamond offers an excellent benefits package including 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, and 2 annual volunteering days. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafés, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role, please also specify whether you are applying for the Senior Power Electronics Engineer or Power Electronics Engineer.

As a visa licence holder, we are likely to be able to sponsor non‑UK nationals that require visa sponsorship at Senior Power Electronics Engineer level. However, this position doesn't meet the requirements for visa sponsorship for the Power Electronics Engineer, except potentially for those people that are already sponsored in the UK or meet the criteria of a ‘new entrant’. For more information please visit Skilled Worker visa: Overview.

The closing date for applications is 25th January 2026, however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.