At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to support cutting-edge power supply systems and contribute to groundbreaking scientific research.
- Company: Be part of Diamond Light Source, the UK's leading synchrotron facility.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science while working with innovative technology and a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualification or practical experience in power electronics and electrical systems.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Harwell, Oxfordshire – based onsite. 3-year fixed-term appointment.
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 Power Electronics Engineer / Senior Power Supplies Technician to join the Power Supplies Group on a 3-year fixed-term appointment. This role will support both the Diamond‑II upgrade and the reliable operation of Diamond’s existing accelerator power converters, with a strong focus on supporting delivery of new high‑performance magnet power supplies and associated equipment. The work will include testing, installation and commissioning of new and existing power supply systems, alongside hands‑on fault finding, repair, integration, documentation, procurement support and operational response.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the safe and reliable operation of Diamond’s existing accelerator power converter systems, including routine checks, troubleshooting, fault investigation, repair and return‑to‑service activities.
- Testing, installing, commissioning and handing over new and existing power supply systems, including circuit boards, controller interfaces, interlocks, cabling, backplanes, racks and complete power supply assemblies.
- Supporting Diamond‑II delivery through equipment build, integration testing, acceptance testing, installation preparation, commissioning and operational readiness activities.
- Diagnosing and repairing faults on power electronic assemblies, modules and systems, including component‑level investigation where required, and contributing to improvements that reduce recurrence and improve availability.
- Preparing and maintaining test equipment, fixtures, wiring looms, operational spares, procedures, test records, drawings and technical documentation needed for maintenance, shutdowns, installations and commissioning.
- Supporting procurement, supplier liaison, acceptance of delivered equipment and quality assurance activities for parts, assemblies and services.
- Participating in the group’s operational support arrangements, including the on‑call and occasional shift or out‑of‑hours work to support machine operation, shutdowns, installations, commissioning and recovery activities.
About You
You will have a relevant engineering qualification, or equivalent practical experience, gained in an electrical, electronic, power electronics, installation, commissioning or operational support environment. You should have practical experience of working with power supplies, power converters, electronic assemblies or similar electrical/electronic systems, and be confident interpreting engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and schematics. You should also have hands‑on experience in areas such as rack build, cabling, wiring, integration testing, electrical installation, equipment handover, maintenance or commissioning. You will be comfortable carrying out laboratory, workshop and site‑based testing, fault finding, repair, installation and commissioning activities, using equipment such as oscilloscopes, power analysers, signal generators and similar instrumentation.
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Switched‑mode power supplies, magnet power supplies, motor drives, inverter systems or comparable power electronic equipment.
- Operation, maintenance, testing, installation or commissioning of power electronic systems, power supplies or complex electrical equipment.
- Component‑level fault finding and repair of electronic circuit boards, modules, assemblies or associated control and interlock systems.
- Electrical safety training or relevant electrical installation competence, such as IET Wiring Regulations or an equivalent qualification.
- Working within a safety‑focused, quality‑assured or configuration‑controlled engineering environment.
You will be practical, detail‑focused and safety‑conscious, with good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, technicians, operators, suppliers and other stakeholders to resolve technical and operational issues. You will also be willing to support the group’s operational rota, including on‑call duties and occasional shift or out‑of‑hours work during shutdowns, machine recovery, installations and commissioning periods.
Visa and Right to Work
This position doesn't meet the requirements for visa sponsorship, except potentially for those people that are already sponsored in the UK since before April 2024 or meet the criteria of a ‘new entrant’. For more information please visit - Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.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 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.
The closing date for applications is 27th September 2026.
Power Electronics Engineer / Senior Power Supply Technician in Harwell employer: Diamond Light Source
At Diamond Light Source, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in Harwell, Oxfordshire, our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including 26 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and access to on-site amenities such as sports facilities and a nursery. We are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development while contributing to groundbreaking scientific advancements through the Diamond-II upgrade project.
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We think you need these skills to ace Power Electronics Engineer / Senior Power Supply Technician in Harwell
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