Graduate Vacuum Systems Engineer

4 year fixed term contract As standard this role requires a fully onsite working arrangement About Us

Diamond Light Source is one of the world’s most advanced scientific facilities. We’re home to the UK’s synchrotron light source – a giant microscope producing beams of light 10 billion times brighter than the sun. Probing the structure and composition of matter, our work drives innovation in everything from vaccines to nanotech.

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.

We now have an opportunity for a Graduate Vacuum Systems Engineer or Vacuum Instrumentation Engineer (subject to the strength of your background) to provide vacuum instrumentation engineering, science and vacuum operations support to Diamond on a 4-year fixed term basis.

Your main duties will include:

• Providing vacuum support for Diamond’s accelerators and beamlines and associated vacuum equipment.
• Carrying out daily monitoring, reporting and support of assigned vacuum systems.
• Working with technical staff, suppliers and contractors on vacuum systems designs and their implementation.
• Contributing to the design of Diamond vacuum control systems and interlocks and assist in their commissioning.

In addition, for the Vacuum Instrumentation Engineer you will be:

• Procuring vacuum equipment for new machine components and beamlines.
• Writing and reviewing procedures, specifications and manuals, alongside assisting with vacuum training.

Within these roles you will be able to participate in the on-call duties of the group and provide vacuum support to the machine and beamlines.

Applicants will be considered at either Graduate Vacuum Systems Engineer, or Vacuum Instrumentation Engineer level, depending on the strength of your skills, experience and qualifications.

You will hold an honours degree in Physics, or an appropriate branch of another Physical Science, Mathematics or Engineering.

You will demonstrate experience and sound knowledge of ultra-high vacuum bakeout procedures and their setup, with further knowledge regarding the operation of vacuum pumps and instrumentation technologies being beneficial.

You will display knowledge of physics and engineering principles, along with good problem-solving and analysis abilities.

To be considered at the Vacuum Instrumentation Engineer level, any experience in one or more of the following areas will be beneficial:

• Physics of ultra-high vacuum or accelerator vacuum systems
• Computer programming
• Linux operating system
• Industrial or accelerator control systems
• Instrumentation interfaces

All candidates must demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills, to interact with staff and stakeholders at all levels.

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 with a 2.3% accrual rate. 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.