Graduate Electrical Engineer

Science and Technology Facilities Council

ISIS Neutron and Muon Source is a world-leading centre for research at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford. The suite of neutron and muon instruments give unique insights into the properties of materials on the atomic scale. Producing neutron beams by the spallation method involves a complex engineering infrastructure to accelerate particles to high energies.

The Magnet Power Supplies Group are responsible for the operations and development of all power supplies for the magnets on the ISIS accelerator. The range of equipment includes DC power supplies from 3 kW to over 1 MW, a 10?cell 90 MW resonant circuit, and pulsed power systems with rise times below 100 ns for 5 kA and 40 kV.

Working at ISIS provides a rare opportunity to contribute to a variety of interesting and complex engineering projects that make a real difference to the progress of UK and international science programmes, whilst gaining valuable professional training and collaborating with some of the industry’s top experts.

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities

During the first two years of the Graduate training scheme, the job holder is expected to participate in a series of placements with various Groups within ISIS, and possibly further afield, where they will take on a variety of engineering projects, learn the core skills to become a professional engineer and gain familiarity with the facility and the people who work here. The work will contribute to the operations and future capability of the facility from the very first project.

During the placement period, duties will be varied but may include:

• Electrical system and electronic circuit design.
• Modelling of magnets and circuits using FEA or simulation software.
• Produce calculations to validate designs.
• Build and run test systems.
• Write software for data acquisition and analysis, control and interlock systems.
• Presentation and documentation of designs using 2D and 3D CAD.
• Specification writing, tender evaluation and procurement.
• Work with and understand the requirements of projects set by a variety of customers.
• Manage project workload to ensure targets are met.
• Present work both in writing and verbally to a wide range of audiences.
• Support the operations teams in investigation and repair of faults.
• Liaise with staff at all levels and disciplines across STFC.

After the first two years, the job holder will settle in one role and start the route to becoming an expert in their field. Support will be given to assist the graduate to achieve Chartered Engineer status.

Additionally, duties and responsibilities in the Magnet Power Supplies Group:

• Design and implement upgrades to existing equipment to improve reliability, efficiency and function.
• Research and development of new and future technologies.
• Design, review and test of new electrical and power electronics systems.
• Management of small teams and contractor effort.
• Project management of small and medium sized projects.
• Represent ISIS at national and international meetings, workshops, conference and visits. Liaise with international experts from academia, industry and national laboratories.

We recruit on a rolling basis therefore we recommend you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Applications will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until our roles are filled.

In order to apply for this role you must have:

• Obtained your degree bachelors or Masters, (not doctorate) in a relevant subject in either 2019, 2020 or be due to receive it in 2021
• Expected or have achieved a 2:1 or above
• The right to live and work in the UK.

Essential Criteria:

• Individual and Team Project working during degree
• Demonstrates willingness and ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Good understanding of electrical/electronic principles
• Able to read and understand technical information, including circuit diagrams and technical drawings
• Capable of rapid development of technical and non-technical skills
• Able to use engineering computers for a large proportion of the working day
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, innovative, logical approach to problem solving, organised, reliable and collaborative
• Good written and spoken communication, in English.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of managing own output whilst working individually, and of working at various levels within multi-disciplinary teams
• An understanding of electrical principles for power supply technology
• Able to communicate to both a technical and non-technical audience
• Shows an interest in the world outside of engineering
• Shows an appreciation of engineering in the wider context of society
• Suitable as a radiation monitored worker and to work in environments with high magnetic field
• Available for short overseas visits and occasional periods away from home in the UK (at courses, seminars, etc.)

The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.

One of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. Our research seeks to understand the Universe from the largest astronomical scales to the tiniest constituents of matter, yet creates impact on a very tangible, human scale.

How to Apply

Online applications only for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for STFC and the role you’re applying for. 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 your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.

About UKRI

UK Research and Innovation brings together nine organisations to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. 

We've signed the Gradcracker feedback pledge.

1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11