Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: £24,961 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12 months
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Chilbolton Observatory, Chilbolton, Stockbridge
Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025
Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026
Start Date: September 2026
The Chilbolton Observatory is operated by RAL Space and provides a unique combination of scientific and technical capabilities, supporting multiple research communities including atmospheric science, space situational awareness, radio astronomy and communications. This post of industrial placement data infrastructure engineer will form an integral part of the team based on site at the Observatory that enables smooth operations of the Observatory infrastructure, including data networking. The core role is focused on all aspects of data and networking support and will be part of the team developing and managing operations of on-site radar equipment to support the requirements of user research programmes.
Brief overview of the scheme
STFC's incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you'll become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You'll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Graduate Development Team who will also ensure you benefit from a range of personal development opportunities.
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities
* Project and task-oriented computing supporting for a small team.
* Periodic helpdesk-based support within a larger departmental team.
* Routine monitoring and maintenance of servers and services, including hardware and software troubleshooting, patching, backup and repair.
* Development of scripts and software to aid project goals, utilising CMS and other coding platforms.
* Documentation of systems and procedures, both as they developed and as part of on-the-job learning.
* Data management; processing, cataloguing and archive.
* Organisation, cataloguing and procurement of spare parts.
* Ownership of 3rd-party support calls.
* Adherence to ISO9001 and ITIL practices and standards.
Assisting staff in a variety of non-computing tasks, vital to maintaining on-site operations.
Person Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
Essential:
* Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course and returning to university/studies to complete your undergraduate degree following the placement (S)
* Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S)
* Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
* Able to commence employment in summer 2026 (S)
* Have own transport to reach Chilbolton Observatory (S&I)
* Good communication skills (S&I)
* Seeking to train and develop skills for a career within diverse computing environments (S&I)
* Have a flexible approach to duties and responsibilities as a member of a small, multi-disciplinary team (S&I)
* Pro-active problem-solving attitude (S&I)
Desirable:
* Interest in one or more fields of scientific research or operations conducted within RAL Space (S&I)
Be prepared to take ownership of a coding project, seeing it through from inception to completion. (S&I)
Employee Benefits:
We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including:
* 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
* Flexible working hours.
* An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
* Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
* Excellent learning and development opportunities.
* Cycle to work scheme.
Link to more benefits:
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here:
Application Guidance
Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.
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.
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible