Power Supplies Technician

Diamond Light Source; Harwell; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific facility in Harwell, England, is seeking a Power Supplies Technician on a 4-year fixed term contract. You will support the day-to-day operation of high-performance magnet power supplies and contribute to next-generation systems development. The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering qualification and experience in electrical circuits, wiring, and safety standards. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and a positive work/life balance.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

Excellent defined benefit pension scheme

Access to nursery, cafes, and sports facilities

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant engineering qualification or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of electrical safety.
• Possess experience in using tools for wiring assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in safety inspections of power supply systems.
• Support assembly and testing of power supplies.
• Provide operational troubleshooting for magnet power supplies.

Skills

Basic knowledge of electrical/electronic circuits and components

Experience in wiring and installation of LV cabinets

Practical experience of soldering

Education

HNC, HND, or Degree in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering

Tools

Electrical and electronic laboratory-based testing equipment

Job description

Harwell, Oxfordshire – based onsite

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron, a large-scale scientific facility producing intense beams of X-rays, infrared, and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use this light to study a vast range of subjects, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting‑edge technology.

Currently, Diamond is undergoing a major upgrade, known as Diamond‑II, which will deliver a new machine and beamlines, alongside comprehensive upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery, and computing. This will generate an even more brilliant light source at higher energy.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Power Supplies Technician, for a 4‑year fixed term contract, to support the day‑to‑day operation of high‑performance magnet power supplies and to contribute to the development, testing, and commissioning of next‑generation power supplies systems for the Diamond‑II upgrade.

The role is fundamentally focused on supporting the Power Supplies group in delivering quality, reliability, and stability, and maintaining robust and consistent performance of high‑precision magnet power supplies throughout daily operations and development projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in safety inspections of power supply systems.
• Support the assembly, wiring and testing of sub‑racks and complete racks of power supplies.
• Assist in the installation, calibration and commissioning of new power supplies, following safety standards and IET Wiring Regulations.
• Provide operational support for magnet power supplies, including troubleshooting, repairs, and participation in the 24‑hour on‑call schedule.
• Assist in system faults finding, perform component‑level repair of power supplies, and implement corrective actions to minimise downtime.
• Maintain and update technical documentation and reports, including fault logs, as‑fitted and modified designs drawings.
• Assist with spares management, procurement of parts, and ensuring resources are available for operations and maintenance.

About You

You will hold a HNC, HND, or Degree in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience or apprenticeship.

You will also demonstrate:

• Basic knowledge of electrical/electronic circuits and components.
• Practical and theoretical understanding of electrical safety at work.
• Experience in wiring and installation of LV cabinets and systems in accordance with IET Wiring Regulations.
• Basic knowledge of using electrical and electronic laboratory‑based testing equipment, with an understanding of measurement techniques.
• Working knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering drawings and schematics.
• Experience with using tools and building cables and wiring assemblies following relevant standards.
• Practical experience of soldering through‑hole and SMD components.

The following areas are desirable

• Experience in testing and commissioning of electronic and power electronics systems.
• Experience of working within a QA system.
• Demonstrable relevant work experience.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

You will have the ability to work effectively as part of a team, demonstrating good oral and written communication skills and strong attention to detail. You will be self‑motivated and proactive in identifying and resolving problems, with competence in the use of computers and Microsoft Office applications. In addition, you must be willing to work shifts, be on‑call, and work out‑of‑hours as required, as well as travel for work‑related business, including some overnight stays. A driving licence is desirable.

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.

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement

Immigration / Sponsorship

This position meets a SOC code that is on the UK Government’s Temporary Shortage List. This brings with it restrictions on our ability to sponsor non-UK & Irish nationals.

At Technician level we can potentially sponsor those individuals that have already been sponsored in the UK since before 4th April 2024, as well as those individuals that meet the eligibility requirements of the new entrant rate, however, such employment could only be on a fixed term basis for the duration of your new entrant rate eligibility.

Please do not apply to this vacancy if you require sponsorship and do not meet the above criteria, sponsorship outside of this criterion is impossible.

Skilled Worker visa: temporary shortage list – GOV.UK

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 25th January; however, we encourage early applications as some candidates may be interviewed before this date.