This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Senior Vacuum Project Engineer
Job Reference DIA0537/SB
Post Type
Division Technical
Salary information Circa £43k
Application deadline 06/11/2009
Date of interviews 27/11/2009


Job Description

Diamond Light Source is a new synchrotron and a leading scientific facility of its type in the world. Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire, we host research facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science.

It is expected that the successful application will take on all, or a significant subset, of the following accountabilities: 

  • Lead pro-actively, and assist other Diamond staff, in the delivery of Diamond vacuum system projects on time, on specification and on budget, interacting closely with in-house and external scientific and technical staff;
  • Provide creative, innovative and adaptive solutions combined with professional leadership, training and advice to the design, manufacture, installation, testing, commissioning, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the Diamond vacuum systems;
  • Produce and review vacuum designs, performing or commissioning vacuum calculations and trials as required, and produce appropriate reports;
  • Produce and manage project plans including time charts, resource and procurement plans and maintain appropriate project documentation;
  • Support the management of the vacuum technicians and contract staff;
  • Plan, prepare and monitor vacuum installation and commissioning work ensuring all appropriate resources, components, equipment, procedures, method statements and risk assessments and approvals are available;
  • Manage vacuum vessel and components procurement contracts including evaluation and audit of suppliers, production of technical specifications, evaluation of tender returns, progress monitoring, inspection visits and review and approval of test results;
  • Maintain and develop and Diamond’s vacuum quality standards and procedures;
  • Assist with preparation of project budget submissions, taking on budget responsibility and authority as assigned;
  • Organise, chair and attend as appropriate, relevant technical, managerial, planning and safety-related meetings;
  • Lead hazard and risk assessment analysis and pursue solutions to mitigate risks while complying with all Diamond Health and Safety policies;
  • Keep up to date with relevant vacuum technology and industry best practice, identifying and initiating training provision to fill skills gaps;
  • Propose, lead and participate in vacuum development projects as assigned;
  • Produce presentations, papers and posters for relevant workshops and conferences;
  • Participate in operations support including out-of-hours cover and assist in spares management;
  • Manage vacuum build and maintenance areas and associated facilities and equipment.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Honours degree or equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant discipline;
  • Practical background in vacuum engineering and significant relevant experience;
  • Good appreciation of vacuum system design principles;
  • Some appreciation of vacuum system instrumentation;
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings;
  • Competent in the use of computers and Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project;
  • Ability to provide ideas and creative solutions to design problems;
  • Ability to lead projects completing specifications and managing time, cost and quality;
  • Demonstrate self-motivation;
  • Demonstrate ability and initiative to get to the heart of a problem and take it through to completion;
  • Demonstrate good oral and written communication, presentation, influencing and motivation skills with management, peers, subordinates, customers and suppliers;
  • Good appreciation of project management and contract supervision principles;
  • Experience in leading and managing a small team and working as a team member.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Experience of fabrication and manufacturing techniques for ultra-high vacuum vessels;
  • Experience of ultra-high vacuum welding technology and inspection;
  • Competence in the selection of materials for ultra-high vacuum;
  • Experience in the specification, qualification, installation and commissioning of ultra-high vacuum vessels, components or systems;
  • Experience of vacuum vessel manufacturing contract supervision;
  • Experience of working within a formal QA system;
  • Experience of vacuum simulations and design calculations;
  • Experience in vacuum instrumentation, control and interlock systems;
  • Experience with cryogenic and pressure systems;
  • Experience of ultra-high vacuum bakeout;
  • Experience in interpreting outgassing rate data and Residual Gas Analysis data;
  • Competence in AutoCAD.

Further Information

Applying for employment

For further details on applying for employment at Diamond, please visit our 'Application Form' page.

Appointments will be made depending on the skills and experience of the candidate. Electronic Diamond application forms in MS-Word are preferred. These should be emailed to recruitment@diamond.ac.uk



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