Diamond Light Source
Mechanical Design Engineer (Insertion Devices)
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Mechanical Design Engineer (Insertion Devices)
Mechanical Design Engineer – Insertion Devices
About Diamond Light Source
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron, serving scientists and researchers worldwide. As a not-for-profit joint venture, it provides researchers from academia and industry with access to cutting-edge facilities, driving transformative science.
The facility generates highly powerful light directed into beamlines used by scientists to address humanity’s most critical challenges—from health and food security to energy, climate change, and advanced materials.
Diamond is currently upgrading to a fourth-generation synchrotron, enhancing its brightness and coherence. This improvement will boost imaging and analytical capabilities, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs.
About the Role
We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to the design support for new Insertion Devices for the Diamond synchrotron.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Designing stable support structures with precision mechanisms.
- Avoiding intricate considerations tied to magnetic and operating loads, motion requirements, and integration with ultra-high vacuum systems and cryogenics.
Successful candidates will prepare concept designs and layouts, assemble and develop detail component drawings and tooling, and generate supporting design calculations, FEA analyses, and technical documentation.
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Collaboration with internal and external scientific and engineering staff is key to deliver robust mechanical designs for various projects.
Responsibilities
- Develop expertise in ultra-high vacuum systems, stable support structures, precision mechanisms, cryogenics, and general scientific equipment design.
- Create concept designs, layouts, assembly drawings, and detailed manufacturing drawings using AutoCAD, Creo, or Pro-Engineer.
- Conduct calculations and FEA as permitted by experience and oversight.
- Participate in hazard analysis and risk assessment activities.
- Update and maintain engineering drawings and project documentation.
- Liaise with external suppliers, assist in procurement, and support logistics for project delivery.
About You
A strong educational background is required, including a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
Required Experience/Knowledge
- Proficiency in engineering drawings.
- Extensive knowledge of materials, joining techniques, and manufacturing processes.
Desirable (Not Essential) Experience
- Experience with Creo/Pro-E and PDM-Link.
- Familiarity with FEA software such as ANSYS.
- Background in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology.
- Experience in micron-precision mechanism design.
- Knowledge of motion control systems.
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Benefits
Diamond Light Source offers a comprehensive benefits package to promote a healthy work-life balance:
- 26 days annual leave (including generous public holidays and Christmas closure).
- 2 voluntary days off for community involvement per year.
- Flexible working hours where possible.
- Exceptional defined benefit pension scheme (2.3% accrual rate).
- Relocation allowance may apply where needed.
On-site facilities include:
- Open green spaces, sports pitches, and an outdoor gym.
- A network of cycle, running, and walking routes.
Staff amenities on campus include:
- Cafés, restaurants, and a daycare nursery.
- Free on-site parking.
This role qualifies for a non-pensionable allowance of £2250 per annum.
Standard working basis: On-site, with flexible hybrid arrangements agreed on a case-by-case basis (a minimum of 3 on-site working days per week will always apply). Temporary adjustments may apply during the probationary period.
How to Apply
Apply through our online system and explain why you are ideally suited for this role.
- Application closing date (but reviewed on an ongoing basis): 2nd August 2026
- Vacancy will remain open until filled.
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