(Senior) Mechanical Technician

Diamond Light Source; Harwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific research facility in Harwell seeks a Mechanical Technician or Senior Mechanical Technician to play a key role in the assembly and alignment of high-precision systems. The ideal candidate will have a recognized mechanical engineering qualification and proven experience in a high-tech environment. Strong attention to detail and teamwork skills are essential. This position also involves collaboration and potential for travel within the UK. An excellent benefits package is offered along with flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

Public holidays

2 annual volunteering days

Flexible working hours

Defined benefit pension scheme

Access to on-site amenities including a nursery and sports facilities

Potential relocation allowance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in mechanical assembly in a scientific or high-tech environment.
• Experience with cryogenics, high pressures, ultra-high vacuum, or similar.
• Willingness to work flexibly and travel within the UK.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and install mechanical systems including vacuum chambers and magnets.
• Perform precision alignment and testing of installed systems.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop designs for new systems.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Ability to interpret technical drawings

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Recognised qualification in mechanical engineering (HNC/HND, NVQ Level 3, etc.)

Tools

Manual or CNC machine tools

Mechanical inspection & metrology tools

Job description

As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement.

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 Mechanical Technician or Senior Mechanical Technician to join our team.

As a Mechanical Technician, you will play a key role in the hands‑on mechanical assembly, alignment, and installation of high‑precision components and systems. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you’ll help deliver the next generation of synchrotron science infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assemble and install mechanical systems including vacuum chambers, magnets, supports, shielding, water and air systems.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to ensure accurate assembly.
• Perform precision alignment and mechanical testing of installed systems to within 10’s of microns.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other technicians to meet project milestones.
• Maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness, and documentation.

• Act as competent person for lifting operations when trained and registered.
• Drive Tug and Trailer, and Forklift Truck when trained and registered.

As a Senior Mechanical Technician you will:

• Work closely with other technical, engineering, and scientific staff to develop designs for new systems, equipment, and processes.
• Lead initial fault finding on installed mechanical equipment (Water, air, mechanical systems)
• Contribute and write risk and method statements; ensuring that all work is carried out safely and using the correct processes such as ATW and PTW.
• Carry out inspection and acceptance testing of components and subsystems using standard metrology equipment.
• Provide task supervision for junior staff, apprentices and contractors.

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

About You

Essential:

• Recognised qualification in mechanical engineering (e.g. HNC/HND, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent). Applicants with equivalent work experience will also be considered.
• Proven experience in mechanical assembly, preferably in a scientific or high‑tech environment or equivalent complexity.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Experience in at least one of the following areas is desirable: Cryogenics, permanent magnets, high pressures, ultra‑high vacuum, Swagelok, water services pipework.

To be considered at Senior level, you will also demonstrate experience of some of the below:

• Producing simple engineering drawings/sketches.
• Operating manual or CNC machine tools.
• Mechanical inspection & metrology tools.
• Legislation such as LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, PSSR etc.

You must be available to work flexibly during commissioning and later operations when there will be periods of intense activity to meet deadlines.

Some travel may be required usually within the UK and with occasional overnight stays.

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.

At Senior Technician level we could sponsor any eligible individuals, however, under recent changes to the UK Immigration system, such employment could only be on a fixed term basis, and individuals that are relocating to the UK to take up employment against a position matched to a Temporary Shortage List SOC code would not be able to bring dependants with them to the UK.

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

Skilled Worker visa: temporary shortage list - GOV.UK

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.

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 11th January 2026.