This vacancy is now closed
Job Title Senior RF Engineer / Physicist
Job Reference DIA0820/SB
Post Type
Division Technical
Salary information Circa £45k
Application deadline 07/04/2013


Job Description

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, which enables world-leading research across a wide range of scientific disciplines and industrial applications.

Diamond’s source of synchrotron light is a third-generation, low emittance 3 GeV storage ring. A key component of the storage ring is the 500 MHz Radiofrequency (RF) system which consists of two operational and one spare 300 kW IOT-based transmitters, together with its services and auxiliary systems. Diamond is seeking a Senior Engineer/Physicist (Post DIA0820/SB) or a Senior Technician (Post DIA0821/SB),to support the operation and future development of this system. 

Reporting to the Head of Storage Ring RF Group, the duties of the post include the following:

Responsible for all of the storage ring high power IOT based amplifiers, including:

  1. Management of all aspects of the high power RF amplifiers;
  2. Characterisation, maintenance and operational support;
  3. Fault analysis and corrective action plans;
  4. Day-to-day checks and performance analysis;
  5. Budget and spares management;
  6. Documentation management of instructions, drawings and procedures;
  7. IOT management;
  8. Ongoing development and upgrade plans including obsolescence management, development of strategy to prevent beam trips in case of IOT trips, signal noise reduction and spectral purity.
     
  • Line management responsibility for supporting technician(s) and contractors as assigned;
  • Senior level contribution to the overall work of the SR RF Group;
  • Overall management of the RF Hall, IOT enclosure, RF crane and RF tools cupboards to ensure that equipment is fully functioning and safe;
  • Responsible for liaison with the Operations Teams for fault diagnosis and repair; provision of operating instructions and training for the Operating Team and the RF Group on-call team for the high power amplifiers and related systems;
  • Contribute to the general commissioning, system calibration, system set-up and other studies related to the SR RF systems as a whole;
  • Assist in the drawing up of manufacturing and test specifications;
  • Manage the design, development and building of ‘in house’ RF equipment as required;
  • Supervision of relevant procurement contracts including witnessing of factory tests;
  • Supervision of external contractors and technicians as assigned;
  • Provide support and assistance to other groups responsible for the Linac and Booster RF systems;
  • Responsible for ensuring safe working practices, relating to the maintenance and operation of the high power amplifier systems. This includes developing procedures and monitoring that people are working safely;
  • Carry out additional tasks and responsibilities as nominated by the Group Leader;
  • Deputise for the Group Leader as and when required;
  • Participate in on-call support of the storage ring RF plant.

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Qualified to degree level or equivalent in an appropriate branch of Physics or Engineering;
  • Minimum of five years relevant work experience;
  • Thorough understanding of physics and/or relevant engineering principles;
  • Extensive understanding and practical experience of high and low power RF amplifier technologies, cavities, RF electronics, transmission lines, and high voltage electrical equipment;
  • Experience in the use of electronic measurement instruments including oscilloscopes, multi-meters, spectrum analysers, network analysers, power meters etc;
  • Understanding and interpretation of mechanical drawings, circuit diagrams and system architecture;
  • Ability to manage and motivate staff and colleagues as well as be an effective team member. Ability to interact with people at all levels;
  • Ability to identify the need, initiate and manage projects;
  • Thorough and logical approach to problem solving, test and measurement, design and development;
  • Familiarity with safe working practices concerning RF and electrical equipment;
  • Willingness and ability to undertake further study into the operation of RF equipment and particle accelerators;
  • Good communication skills (verbal and written);
  • Computer literate;
  • Must be willing to work outside normal working hours, including occasional evenings, nights and week-ends as operational needs dictate;
  • Must be willing to travel on occasions within the UK and overseas, to visit laboratories and companies, attend meetings etc.

Qualification & Experience - Desirable

  • Theoretical knowledge and experience of high power RF devices such as IOTs and Klystrons;
  • Familiarity with the use of Quality Assurance Procedures;
  • Competence in AutoCAD, numerical modelling or programming.

Further Information

  • Must be willing to work outside normal working hours, including occasional evenings, nights and week-ends as operational needs dictate;
  • Must be willing to travel on occasions within the UK and overseas, to visit laboratories and companies, attend meetings etc.

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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