Head of Electrical Engineering

Head of Electrical Engineering

Oxford Full-Time 55000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead electrical engineering for cutting-edge projects at a national scientific facility.
  • Company: Join Diamond Light Source, the UK's premier synchrotron facility driving innovative research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, flexible hours, and access to on-site amenities like cafes and sports facilities.
  • Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking upgrades, making a real impact in science and technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience; leadership and project management skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for relocation allowance and involvement in exciting new projects.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 72000 £ per year.

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire based onsite

£61,077 - £71,856 per annum (Discretionary range to £82,636)

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. We are currently in the early phase of 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

At a very exciting time for Diamond Light Source, we have created a new senior position for a Head of Electrical Engineering, to be responsible for the LV Electrical Engineering distribution across the Diamond accelerators and beamlines, including design, installation, testing and maintenance and safety aspects, reporting to the Head of Engineering.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Management of safety aspects of the accelerator and beamline LV systems, including compliance with legislation for electrical and functional safety.
  • Developing the electrical engineering profession within the Engineering Group.
  • Providing a high level of technical knowledge and advice on electrical systems, including analysis of cable routing, cable de-rating and voltage drop, radiation effects on wiring and electrical components, protection requirements, rack cooling and thermal management, and O2 depletion systems.
  • Delivery of new electrical systems, with direct management of the accelerator electrical engineering team and oversight of the beamline electrical engineering teams.
  • Overseeing recruitment, training and management of electrical staff.
  • Supporting the Head of Electrical Facilities as a Senior Authorised Persons Electrical (SAPe), responsible for activities in relation to the distribution network, competence assessment and vetting to authorise others throughout Diamond.
  • Managing electrical fault analysis and improvement programmes.

About You

You will be a highly experienced senior electrical engineer, with a degree in Electrical Engineering or significant equivalent experience. You will also hold relevant electrical experience and qualifications to act as a Senior Authorised Person Electrical and 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification.

You will have proven experience in leading design teams, engineers and technicians, with the ability to motivate and develop staff. You will also have experience of managing complex projects.

You will display further experience of:

  • Managing electrical safety in design, installation and operation.
  • LV Electrical systems including EMC, electrical noise, harmonics and earthing systems.
  • Working within a QA system and maintaining comprehensive project documentation.
  • Relevant software tools (e.g. AutoCAD, ZUKEN etc.)
  • Electrical design including as many of the following as possible:
  • Electrical Rack design.
  • Precision motion control using stepper motors and piezo actuators.
  • Vacuum control systems.
  • Personnel Safety circuits.
  • Low Voltage systems.
  • Programmable logic controllers.
  • Distributed I/O.
  • Pneumatic controls.

You will display in-depth knowledge of electrical design standards, risk assessment methodologies, and industry best practices, with an ability to act as the approving authority for technical drawings, calculations, Risk Assessments and Methods Statements, and to produce project plans to identify critical paths and resourcing requirements.

You will have excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, with an ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels.

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. 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.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role. The closing date for applications is 1st June.

Head of Electrical Engineering employer: Diamond Light Source

At Diamond Light Source, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages professional development. With an attractive benefits package including flexible working hours, generous leave, and access to on-site amenities, we provide a fulfilling workplace for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of electrical engineering.
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Contact Detail:

Diamond Light Source Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Electrical Engineering

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in LV Electrical Engineering and related technologies. Being well-versed in current trends will not only boost your confidence during discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the electrical engineering sector, especially those who have experience in synchrotron facilities or similar environments. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams and complex projects. Highlight specific examples where you successfully motivated staff or improved processes, as this role requires strong management skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Diamond Light Source and its ongoing projects, particularly the Diamond-II upgrade. Understanding the facility's goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your conversation and show how your expertise aligns with their needs.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering Degree or Equivalent Experience
Senior Authorised Person Electrical Qualification
18th Edition Wiring Regulations Qualification
Project Management Skills
Team Leadership and Staff Development
Electrical Safety Management
Low Voltage Electrical Systems Knowledge
Experience with EMC, Electrical Noise, and Harmonics
Proficiency in Electrical Design Software (e.g. AutoCAD, ZUKEN)
Knowledge of Electrical Rack Design
Experience with Precision Motion Control Systems
Understanding of Vacuum Control Systems
Familiarity with Personnel Safety Circuits
Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers
Knowledge of Risk Assessment Methodologies
Excellent Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Ability to Produce Project Plans and Documentation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in electrical engineering, particularly in low voltage systems and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical knowledge.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the role at Diamond Light Source. Mention your experience with safety compliance and managing complex projects, and how these align with the responsibilities of the Head of Electrical Engineering.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your degree in Electrical Engineering and any certifications like the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations. This will show that you meet the essential criteria for the position.

Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Provide examples of how you have successfully led teams in previous roles. Discuss your approach to motivating staff and managing recruitment and training, as these are key aspects of the job.

How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Light Source

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As the Head of Electrical Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of electrical systems. Be prepared to discuss your experience with LV electrical systems, design standards, and any relevant software tools like AutoCAD or ZUKEN.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

This role requires strong leadership skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led design teams or managed complex projects, focusing on how you motivated and developed your staff.

✨Emphasise Safety Management

Safety is paramount in this position. Be ready to talk about your experience managing electrical safety in design, installation, and operation, as well as your familiarity with compliance legislation and risk assessment methodologies.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you've had to analyse electrical faults or improve systems, detailing your thought process and the outcomes.

Head of Electrical Engineering
Diamond Light Source
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  • Head of Electrical Engineering

    Oxford
    Full-Time
    55000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-10

  • D

    Diamond Light Source

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