At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Opportunity for training on specialist equipment and processes in a high-tech facility.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 44982 - 52478 £ per year.
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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
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Industries
Research Services
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Senior Mechanical Technician 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 Senior Mechanical 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 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 Senior Mechanical 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 STFC and the Senior Mechanical 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 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.
