At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vacuum and gas systems, lead projects, and ensure safety in gas usage.
- Company: Join the UK Atomic Energy Authority, a leader in clean energy innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, flexible working, and diverse workplace culture.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse talent; great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking fusion research and make a real impact on sustainable energy.
- Qualifications: HNC in Mechanical Engineering and experience with vacuum systems required.
The predicted salary is between 43702 - 43702 £ per year.
The salary for this role is £43,702 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days a week; however, we actively support requests for flexible working. This role can be based at any of the following sites: Culham, Oxfordshire.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.
MAST-U is currently the largest operating spherical tokamak in the world, providing a facility on which to perform experiments to provide the answer to key questions for fusion power to be delivered to the grid. We are looking for a Vacuum and Gas Technician, a dual role supporting the vacuum and gas systems of the MAST-U tokamak as well as coordinating all bottled gases procurement & deployment activities across UKAEA. The job holder will work within a team of engineers and technicians under the management of the Cryogenics & Services Team Leader. The role may occasionally include participation in a rostered on-call system, with fault-finding and maintenance of vacuum systems often carried out outside normal working hours due to access restrictions during operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Carrying out fault-finding, repairs, maintenance, commissioning and enhancements to the existing vacuum and gas systems.
- Leading small vacuum and gas projects.
- Improving the reliability & efficiency of the existing vacuum systems.
- Procurement of new mechanical equipment and spares for the vacuum and gas systems.
- Authoring, production and maintenance of operating procedures, commissioning procedures, reports, drawings, manuals and other such technical documentation.
- Carrying out risk assessments, writing operating procedures and other safety documentation.
- Supervising contractors and apprentices, when required.
- Coordinating all safety related activities and training concerning the usage of bottled gases across UKAEA.
- Leading the activities of the 18 Authorised Persons Bottled Gases with respect to safety, legal and regulatory requirements.
- Developing and implementing best practices in the management and use of bottled gases.
- Deputy contract manager for the bottled gas contract, responsible for coordinating the ordering, delivery and forecasting demand for bottled gas across site.
- Undertaking quarterly audits of all gas storage facilities on site and instigating the improvement of existing gas procurement and delivery systems.
Essential Requirements:
- HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- Demonstrable experience of vacuum systems.
- Knowledge of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) and the BCGA Codes of Practice for the transport, storage, handling and usage of bottled gases.
- Practical experience of high pressure gas cylinders and systems.
- Proven experience of helium trace gas and other such forms of vacuum leak detection and the ability to understand and interpret RGA data.
Desirable Requirements:
- Demonstrable expertise in vessel conditioning of large vacuum vessels.
UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.
Vacuum and Gas Technician employer: Fusion Energy Base
The UK Atomic Energy Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of fusion energy research in Culham, Oxfordshire. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package including an outstanding pension scheme, we foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation, making it an ideal place for skilled professionals seeking meaningful contributions to clean energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vacuum and Gas Technician
✨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 Fusion Energy Base.
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✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Fusion Energy Base 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 Vacuum and Gas Technician
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 Fusion Energy Base and the Vacuum and Gas Technician 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 Fusion Energy Base
✨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 Fusion Energy Base.
✨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 Fusion Energy Base.
✨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 Fusion Energy Base, making you a more appealing candidate.
