Graduate Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council Salary: £33,380 per annum. Successful candidates also receive a £1,000 welcome bonus. Hours: Full time Contract Type: Open Ended Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ Closing Date: Sunday 20th October 2024 Assessment Centre: December 2024/January 2025 TBC (travel and accommodation will be reimbursed) Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate. The STFC ATC mechanical group is looking to hire a mechanical engineering graduate to support our advanced ground and space-based astronomy and earth observation program. Based at the historic and beautiful Royal Observatory Edinburgh, the successful candidate will design world class instrumentation using innovative CAE tools as part of a multidisciplinary and typically international team. Brief overview of the scheme The STFC Graduate scheme will give you the opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion early in your journey with us, supported by technical training and a broader programme of career support and training and development. Our dedicated Early Careers Development Team will provide the right combination of challenge and support throughout, helping you achieve your ambitions. We know that professional recognition is also important to you too, so we will provide mentoring and expertise to help you achieve valued qualifications or chartered status in your chosen field. STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours. For more information on our full list of benefits, please visit here. About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities We are looking to recruit a graduate Mechanical Design Engineer to work in the Mechanical Engineering Group of the UKATC at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh site. The engineering design role involves working as a key part of a team to support our existing instrument program. This includes development of instruments for the VLT and the ELT telescopes, Earth observation and space telescope projects under development. The role will involve proposal, evaluation and development of conceptual opto- mechanical systems to meet project requirements and goals. This will include development of mechanical layouts, parts and manufacturing drawings using 3D CAD. Training will be given in specialist areas or expertise. Duties will include: Working from information supplied by other members of the project team, customer or consortia member the engineer will undertake the design of sub-systems and their components. Information will be in the form of basic outline drawings, sketches, specifications or verbal instructions. Tasks will be defined in terms of technical goals and requirements and evaluation of solutions. Effort and cost estimation will also be undertaken. CAD will be used to produce solid models, layouts, detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings, Structural and thermal analyses will be performed by CAE and traditional methods. They must have a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of structures, materials, and engineering tolerancing: there are few design codes available. Documentation will be produced including drawing lists, design reports, technical specifications for work to be sub-contracted, test procedures, reports and operation and maintenance manuals. You will take part in design reviews, vendor liaison, Assembly/Integration/Testing, commissioning and on occasions the installation at overseas telescopes of individual instruments or sub systems To apply for this graduate opportunity, we are looking for the following: Key: Shortlisting (S), Interview (I), both Shortlisting and Interview (S&I) Essential: Obtained first degree bachelors or Masters, (not doctorate) in a relevant subject in either 2018, 2019 or be due to receive it in 2020 (S) Expected or have achieved a 2:1 or above (S&I) The right to live and work in the UK (S) Knowledge of the principles of mechanical engineering gained either through university modules or work-place experience, including design CAE, strength of materials, GPS Strong communication, organisational and presentational skills, enabling the succinct transfer of information to a wide and diverse audience Good social skills and self-confidence Desirable: Knowledge of Quality Assurance and Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Management Systems HND/NND mechanical engineering CAE specific skills Autodesk CAD/vault /visualisation, inventor, ANSYS FEA Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert. Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received. About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel. We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating. For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/ You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/ About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org . Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI . The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment. How we support EDI in the workforce At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' . Disability Confident Employer As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. How to apply Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. Additional Information Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) - UK Astronomy Technology Centre Contract Type: Open Ended External Closing Date: Oct 20, 2024 Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 33,380 Hours: Full-time