At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing cutting-edge particle physics detectors and advanced scientific facilities.
- Company: Be part of STFC, a leading research organisation in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, excellent pension, and a subsidised restaurant.
- Other info: Flexible hours, social activities, and commitment to your professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in groundbreaking scientific projects while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent with hands-on experience in technical roles.
The predicted salary is between 32773 - 37773 £ per year.
Mechanical Engineering Technician (DUNE)
Salary: £33,838 per annum, with specialist allowance up to £5,000 for highly skilled candidates
UKRI Band: C – S1
Hours: Full Time (Daytime shift patterns may be required at points in production process)
Contract Type: Open-ended (up to three posts)
Location: Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington, WA4 4AD
Closing date: 6th January 2026
Benefits: 30 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays + 2.5 privilege days + an exceptional average salary pension + excellent work life balance
One current project is the production of an exciting particle physics detector system for the DUNE project. As a Mechanical Technician you will become part of the team responsible for the successful completion of the International DUNE project.
About Us
You will be a member of the Mechanical, Metrology and Technical Engineering Group (MMTE) which is part of the Technology Department based at STFC's Daresbury Laboratory. Within MMTE group there are several engineering teams working in collaboration on some of the world’s most exciting and complex scientific facilities, such as CERN LHC, PiPII and the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) as well as ongoing operational support for our in-house particle accelerator CLARA.
Person Specification
About you
You will have a broad understanding of Mechanical Engineering with hands‑on experience, which is transferable to specific areas of particle accelerator type build and assembly. Knowledge of related functions such as vacuum technology, cryogenics and clean room/low particulate environments would be desirable but not essential.
Qualifications
A recognised Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent with demonstrable hands‑on experience in a relevant technical engineering role. Preferably you will have ONC or higher engineering qualification and/or extensive relevant knowledge and experience.
- Demonstrable practical mechanical skills including experience with workshop machine tools.
- Competence working in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Ability for hand soldering (evaluated during recruitment process).
- Experience of working within an ISO9001 or similar quality environment.
- Attention to detail and working within precise tolerances.
- Experience of working to procedures.
- Strong documentation and recording skills.
- A willingness to perform repetitive tasks to consistent quality.
- An ability to interpret and use data.
- Experience of operating jib/overhead cranes.
- Experience of working at height.
- Understanding and experience of implementing and applying relevant health and safety requirements in a manufacturing environment (e.g. risk assessments, operating procedures, COSHH assessments).
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.
Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you (and any dependants travelling with you) will be required to pay costs directly to the UK Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Science
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Mechanical Engineering Technician (DUNE) in Daresbury employer: STFC
At the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, located at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where every employee is empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including generous leave and a pension scheme, and the opportunity to work alongside world-class experts in science and technology, we offer a unique platform for growth and exploration in your career. Join us in our mission to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to groundbreaking advancements that benefit society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Technician (DUNE) in Daresbury
✨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 STFC.
✨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 STFC love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of STFC 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 Engineering Technician (DUNE) in Daresbury
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 STFC and the Mechanical Engineering Technician (DUNE) 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 STFC
✨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 STFC.
✨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 STFC.
✨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 STFC, making you a more appealing candidate.
