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Job Title Senior RF Technician
Job Reference DIA0821/SB
Post Type
Division Technical
Salary information Circa £35k
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 Technician (Post DIA0821/SB) or Senior Engineer/Physicist (Post DIA0820/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:

  • Specific responsibility for the high power IOT based amplifiers used for storage ring operation, including services and auxiliary supplies (but excluding the IOTs and IOT circuits). Tasks include:
  1. Characterisation and calibration, repair, day-to-day checks and operation of the amplifiers and associated equipment.
  2. Detailed fault analysis of every amplifier trip, the production of formal corrective action plans and their implementation and follow-up as part of the drive for higher reliability.
  3. Development and execution of detailed maintenance programmes and monthly reporting of maintenance plans, faults and ongoing issues.
  4. Monthly reporting of spares stock with on-going review of appropriate stock holding.
  5. Ensuring that all relevant drawings are accurate and kept up-to-date.
  • Assist in all matters as appropriate relating to the high power IOT based ‘spare’ Amplifier;
  • Day-to -day management of the IOT enclosure, the RF Crane area and the RF tools cupboards to ensure that equipment is fully functioning and safe;
  • 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;
  • Assist in the drawing up of manufacturing and test specifications;
  • Support 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;
  • Contribute to ensuring safe working practices, relating to the maintenance and operation of the high power amplifier systems;
  • Carry out any additional tasks and responsibilities as nominated by the Group Leader;
  • Participate in on-call support of the storage ring RF plant.

 

Qualification & Experience - Essential

  • Minimum of three years relevant work experience;
  • General understanding of basic physics and/or engineering principles;
  • Experience with RF components such as coaxial cables, splitters, diodes, RF filters and couplers;
  • Experience in the use of electronic measurement instruments including oscilloscopes, multi-meters, spectrum analysers, network analysers, power meters etc;
  • Experience of maintenance of electrical equipment or systems;
  • Understanding and interpretation of mechanical drawings and basic circuit diagrams;
  • Ability to work on one’s own initiative and to carry out tasks independently, but also to be an effective team member;
  • Ability to manage small projects.;
  • An aptitude for problem solving and fault finding;
  • Willingness and aptitude to learn new skills;
  • 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

  • Qualified to degree level, or equivalent in an appropriate branch of Physics or Engineering. Candidates with significant hands on experience without a degree will also be considered;
  • Experience of operating high and low power RF equipment and of working with high voltages;
  • Familiarity with the use of Quality Assurance Procedures and safe working practices;
  • Competence in AutoCAD or equivalent. 

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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