At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vacuum and gas systems for the world's largest spherical tokamak.
- Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in clean energy innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fusion power and contribute to a sustainable future.
- 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, but we 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 for experiments to answer 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, producing and maintaining operating procedures, commissioning procedures, reports, drawings, manuals and other technical documentation; carrying out risk assessments, writing operating procedures and other safety documentation.
- Supervising contractors and apprentices, when required.
- Co‑ordinating 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.
Qualifications
- 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 vacuum leak detection methods and the ability to understand and interpret RGA data.
- Demonstrable expertise in vessel conditioning of large vacuum vessels.
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit. UKAEA is committed to being accessible. If you require assistance or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, please email talent@ukaea.uk.
Job Details
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.
Benefits
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working options including family‑friendly policies.
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.
Vacuum and Gas Technician employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
UKAEA is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises equality and diversity. As a Vacuum and Gas Technician at our Culham site, you will benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a generous annual leave allowance, all while contributing to groundbreaking fusion energy research. We are dedicated to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
Contact Details:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruitment Team
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