At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative mechanical systems for cutting-edge synchrotron technology.
- Company: Join Diamond Light Source, the UK's leading synchrotron for groundbreaking scientific research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant campus with great amenities and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global challenges while working with advanced engineering technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics and experience in engineering design.
The predicted salary is between 53800 - 63500 £ per year.
About Us Diamond Light Source is the UKs national synchrotron, serving scientists and researchers from around the world.
It is a not-for-profit joint venture, providing academic and industry researchers access to facilities that enable world-changing science.
The machine generates extremely bright light that is directed into laboratories known as beamlines.
Scientists use the light to find solutions to humanitys most critical challenges, from health, food security and biotechnology to energy, climate change and advanced materials.
Diamond is in the process of upgrading to a fourth-generation synchrotron, generating a brighter and more coherent light.
This will provide enhanced imaging and analysis capabilities, helping the UK to remain at the forefront of scientific discovery.
About the Role We now have an opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer to provide design support for new Insertion Devices for the Diamond synchrotron.
This principally requires designing stable support structures with precision mechanisms, accounting for magnetic and operational loads and motion requirements, and including design with ultra-high vacuum systems and cryogenics.
The role will involve preparation of concept designs and layouts, assembly and detail component drawings for the device plus any assembly aids or tooling required, along with accompanying design calculations, FEA, and documentation.
You will work closely with internal and external scientific and engineering staff to produce mechanical designs for projects.
Responsibilities include: Developing and applying expertise in technologies including ultra-high vacuum systems, stable support structures, precision mechanisms, cryogenics and the general design of scientific equipment and plant.
Producing concept designs, layouts, assembly drawings and detailed manufacturing drawings, employing Auto CAD and Creo / Pro-Engineer software.
Carrying out calculations and FEA as competence and supervision allow.
Contributing to hazard analysis and risk assessment exercises.
Maintaining and updating engineering drawings and documentation on projects.
Liaising with external suppliers and assisting with procurement and logistical activities to support project delivery.
About You You will have a good background in mechanical engineering and hold a Degree in Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Along with experience/knowledge in the following: Engineering drawings.
Materials selection, joining and manufacturing techniques.
Experience in the following is desirable but not essential: Using Creo/Pro-E and PDM-Link.
Using ANSYS or other FEA package.
Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) technology.
Micron precision mechanism design.
Motion control systems.
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.
A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
Our campus-based location, with open green space, offers sports pitches, an outdoor gym, as well as a network of cycle, running and walking routes.
Staff also have access to a range of onsite amenities including cafes, restaurants, a daycare nursery and free on-site parking.
This role qualifies for a non-pensionable allowance of £2250 per annum.
As standard this role is on-site based with any hybrid working arrangements being agreed on an ad-hoc basis (a minimum of 3 days working onsite per week will always be required).
Arrangements may be different during the probationary period.
To Apply Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
The initial closing date for applications is 2nd August 2026, however applications will be reviewed and interviewed on an ongoing basis until this vacancy is filled.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer (Insertion Devices) in London
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Diamond Light Source.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Diamond Light Source love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Diamond Light Source and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer (Insertion Devices) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Diamond Light Source and the Mechanical Design Engineer (Insertion Devices) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Light Source
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Diamond Light Source.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Diamond Light Source.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Diamond Light Source, making you a more appealing candidate.
