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- Tasks: Join our team to develop cutting-edge astronomical instruments and tackle exciting challenges in Big Science.
- Company: Be part of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, a leader in astronomical instrumentation and systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 30 days holiday, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact alongside world-class scientists and engineers in a friendly, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Bring your mechanical engineering skills and experience in precision manufacturing to our dynamic team.
- Other info: Opportunity for training on specialist equipment and processes in a high-tech facility.
The predicted salary is between 44982 - 52478 £ per year.
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Join to apply for the Senior Mechanical Technician role at STFC
This range is provided by STFC. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Salary: Band D (S1) £44,982 per annum
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Location Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh.
Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers, technicians and technologists, use everything you\’ve learnt to find real answers that shape society and improve lives.
Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.
About the role
The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is the UK’s national centre for leading-edge astronomical instrumentation and systems. We design and build instrumentation for world-leading astronomy facilities on the ground and in space. Here you will work alongside world-leading scientists, engineers and technologists to develop and build leading-edge scientific instruments.
We have a friendly and flexible work environment, on a beautiful site combining the historic Royal Observatory Edinburgh architecture with a high-tech engineering facility including modern laboratories and cleanrooms.
We are currently seeking a Mechanical Technician to support the development, manufacture, assembly, test, delivery, installation and commissioning of equipment across various ground-based and space-based astronomy projects.
Specifically, your duties will include:
- Working as a senior technical person within the Mechanical Technician Team (Engineering Support Group)
- The manufacture and modification of precision mechanical, optomechanical and electromechanical parts and assemblies to defined requirements.
- This will include inspection, metrology, fitting and alignment of internally and externally sourced precision parts to verify dimensional and geometric tolerancing, and other quality requirements.
- Planning, organising and testing of parts, assemblies and mechanisms including the use of environmental test facilities, such as vacuum and cryogenic test systems and cleanroom operations. (Training will be given on specialist equipment and processes).
- Planning, organising and doing the assembly and test of these parts and assemblies into more complex systems.
- Planning and coordinating integration, test and commissioning of development and completed systems both on site and occasionally at telescope.
- Planning, coordinating and doing specialist work within a clean room environment. (Training will be given on specialist equipment and processes).
- Working and collaborating in cross-functional teams across a variety of projects.
Person Specifications:
- ONC or City & Guilds in an appropriate Engineering Mechanical / Manufacture Engineering discipline or equivalent as minimal formal qualification.
- Time served mechanical technician or machinist with post apprenticeship experience in machining or assembly and / or mechanical maintenance or similar. Including working within a structured engineering environment with an established safety and quality culture.
- Experience of manufacturing precision parts using a variety of manual or CNC machine tools (e.g. Haas machines) and / or experience of working with precision parts and assemblies including build and test activities.
- Experience of organising, producing and inspecting technical work to defined safety, quality, and delivery requirements.
- Experience with safety related processes and regulations relevant to machining, assembly or workshop environment.
- Able to perform a variety of manual handling and assembly tasks.
- Understanding of manufacturing drawings, specifications, and instructions, with a working knowledge of relevant engineering standards, and some experience of CAD (e.g. AutoCAD) and CAM software (e.g. EdgeCAM)
- Evidence of good collaboration skills and working as part of a team including clear verbal and written communication in English.
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 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.
STFC offers our staff a wide range of excellent non-paying employee benefits, including but not limited to 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days) and excellent learning and development opportunities. Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/.
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe\’s largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what\’s possible.
The closing date for applications is 3rd September 2025.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Science
-
Industries
Research Services
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Senior Mechanical Technician employer: STFC
Contact Detail:
STFC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechanical Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in astronomical instrumentation and technology. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of mechanical engineering and astronomy. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, or online webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with precision mechanical parts and assemblies. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those involving CNC machining or assembly in a structured engineering environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaboration skills by highlighting any cross-functional team experiences. Be prepared to discuss how you effectively communicated and worked with others to achieve project goals, as teamwork is crucial in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechanical Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on your mechanical engineering background, any experience with precision parts, and your ability to work in a structured engineering environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for astronomy and how you can contribute to the UK Astronomy Technology Centre. Mention specific projects or technologies that excite you.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Since the role involves working in cross-functional teams, emphasise your collaboration skills. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at STFC
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with precision mechanical, optomechanical, and electromechanical parts. Highlight specific projects where you've manufactured or modified components, and be ready to explain the processes you used.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working in cross-functional teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to work towards common goals.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties outlined in the job description, such as planning and coordinating tests and assembly in cleanroom environments. This will show your genuine interest and preparedness for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the projects you'll be involved in, the team dynamics, and the technologies used. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.