Mechatronic & Controls Technician

Come and do the kind of engineering that made you want to be an engineer. Stretch your technical skills while building human understanding. Promote sustainability and create new materials. And, alongside world-leading scientists, technicians and technologists, shape projects that improve lives, and daily life, in the UK and far beyond.

Put simply, come and discover the impact you can make when you’re equipped, encouraged and inspired to perform to your very best.

The ISIS Electrical and Electronic User Support Group (EEUSG) is offering a great opportunity to be part of its Mechatronics Control Section. The Mechatronics team plays a fundamental role in supporting the neutron and muon instruments and experimental equipment that rely on motion systems to carry out the vast range of experiments conducted at ISIS every year.

As part of the mechatronics section, you will be responsible for all aspects of the support of motion control equipment on our instruments. This will include:

• Testing, commissioning, and support using a variety of different software control systems and measurement equipment.
• Planning of maintenance activities, including safe methods of work, and the keeping of accurate maintenance records.
• Assisting our mechanical teams in the building and installation of ISIS beamline motion control equipment.
• Supporting the integration of user provided equipment for experiments.
• Seeking opportunities for continuous improvement of motion control equipment that may provide better functionality or improved reliability or performance.
• Representing the section as a Mechatronics Control stakeholder at design reviews.
• The repair and maintenance of equipment including rewiring and reassembly where required.
• Providing guidance, help and encouragement to all graduates and apprentices working within the Mechatronics Support section and the wider group.
• Showcasing your work at conferences and workshops in the UK and internationally.

At UKRI Band E level, you would be required to work more independently when resolving complex maintenance issues, and to write, implement, and approve, safe methods of work. You would also be expected to take on supervision responsibilities of junior staff.

ISIS operates on a 24/7 basis when running and the group provides technical support outside of normal working hours via the on-call system. You would have the opportunity to join the other members of the group in supporting our on-call system. An On-call allowance is payable.

Person Specification (UKRI Band D)

• Qualified HNC or above (HND, MEng, MSc, BEng) in a relevant engineering discipline or extensive experience in a relevant field of Mechatronics, Robotics, or Controls engineering. (S)
• Demonstrable knowledge of mechatronic experience within an industrial or scientific setting that could include: (S+I)
  • Machine building and alignment of mechatronic systems.
  • Assembly of electrical systems and cabling.
  • Setup of PLC motion control systems.
• Ability to critically analyse systems and diagnose root cause failures. (S+I)
• Knowledge of safety systems and working under Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS). (I)
• Basic understanding of communication systems and setups for controllers such as ethernet IP, Biss-c/SSI, and RS232. (I)
• Good written and verbal communication skills. (S+I)

For Band E position, in addition to the above you will also be able to show:

• High level knowledge of at least two aspects of mechatronics (mechanical, electrical, and software) (I)
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 structured text and object-oriented programming (ISIS currently uses the Beckhoff TwinCAT platform for new motion control systems but knowledge of this specific system is not required) (I)
• Experience measuring and assessing motion performance such as accuracy and repeatability. (I)
• Working knowledge of the Machinery Directive and PUWER (I)
• Experience either directly, or indirectly managing staff, giving technical supervision, or mentoring of junior technicians or engineers. (I)

What we offer

We are offering a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday FTE (in addition to 8 bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days)
• flexible working hours
• an excellent defined average salary pension scheme
• employee shopping/travel discounts
• excellent learning and development opportunities

Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

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.

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.

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.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

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.

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.