Mechanical Design Engineer

Diamond Light Source - Technical/Engineering

Location: Harwell, Oxfordshire, Hybrid

Salary: £42,556 to £46,542 per annum (inclusive of annual allowance).

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 15th September 2025

Closes: 5th October 2025

Job Ref: 11672

Harwell, Oxfordshire

Based onsite / Hybrid working available – minimum 3 days onsite per week.

2 Years fixed-term.

About Us: Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

At Diamond we are currently undertaking a major upgrade of the facility, known as Diamond-II. Diamond-II will combine a new machine and new beamlines with a comprehensive series of upgrades to optics, detectors, sample environments, sample delivery capabilities and computing, which will ultimately generate an even more brilliant light source at a higher energy.

About the Role: We now have an opportunity for a Mechanical Design Engineer for a 2-year fixed-term contract, to provide mechanical engineering design support to the technical systems of the Diamond facility.

Responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with internal & external scientific and engineering staff to produce mechanical designs for projects.
• Developing and applying expertise in technologies including ultra-high vacuum systems, stable support structures, precision mechanisms, cryogenics and the general design of scientific equipment and plant.
• Producing concept designs, layouts, assembly drawings and detailed manufacturing drawings employing AutoCAD and Creo software.
• Carrying out calculations and FEA as competence and supervision allow.
• Assisting with / procurement of equipment through commercial suppliers.

About You: You will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics or equivalent in relevant discipline. Demonstrate a strong background in mechanical engineering with excellent working knowledge of engineering drawings. Have design experience of materials selection, joining and manufacturing techniques, with advanced level knowledge of a 3D CAD system with hands on experience. Have the ability to provide ideas and creative solutions. Demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with peers, customers and suppliers.

Benefits: Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable. This role qualifies for a non-pensionable allowance of £2,250 per annum. As standard this role offers a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 3 days working onsite per week.

To Apply: Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role. The closing date for applications is 5th October.