Job Description
The salary for this role is £43,702 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week.
This role can be based at any of the following sites; Culham, Oxfordshire
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Testing Rigs & Labs Technician to provide advanced hands‑on technical support within our experimental laboratories.
In this role, you will play a key part in building, operating and maintaining testing rigs and laboratory systems that support prototype development and experimental programmes. You will work closely with engineers, scientists and other technicians, applying practical expertise to ensure experiments are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high technical standard.
You will act as a subject‑matter specialist in defined areas of laboratory practice, take ownership of discrete work activities, and support the development of junior technicians and apprentices.
Key Responsibilities:
* Carry out hands‑on laboratory and experimental work, including fabrication, assembly, integration, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of testing rigs and equipment
* Support the safe and effective day‑to‑day operation of testing rigs and laboratory facilities
* Apply practical expertise to translate drawings, schematics and test plans into robust physical setups
* Identify and resolve technical issues during builds and experimental operations, escalating novel or higher‑risk problems as required
* Contribute to risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work within laboratory environments
* Take responsibility for defined operational areas such as tooling, consumables, equipment organisation or calibration coordination
* Maintain accurate records for equipment status, servicing, calibration and experimental activities
* Support the collection, handling and basic processing of experimental data
* Contribute practical input to experimental planning, design reviews and operational improvement activities
* Guide and mentor junior technicians and apprentices, promoting good laboratory practice and safe working
* Work collaboratively with engineers and stakeholders, communicating clearly and professionally
Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
* Relevant technical qualification in a STEM discipline (e.g. HNC/HND or equivalent experience)
* Proven hands‑on experience in laboratory, workshop, prototype or experimental test environments
* Strong mechanical and/or electrical skills, with the ability to work confidently from technical drawings and documentation
* Experience assembling, commissioning, operating or maintaining test rigs or experimental equipment
* Awareness of laboratory hazards (e.g. pressure, vacuum, cryogenic, high‑voltage systems) and safe working practices
* Experience contributing to risk assessments and safety documentation
* Ability to work independently within established procedures and manage competing tasks
* Clear written and verbal communication skills
* Experience supporting or guiding less‑experienced colleagues
Desirable Requirements:
* Degree in engineering or a related discipline
* Experience supporting R&D or novel technology programmes
* Familiarity with instrumentation, control systems or data acquisition
* Experience contributing to laboratory improvements, equipment upgrades or facility development
* Knowledge of laboratory compliance frameworks (e.g. COSHH, PUWER or similar)
Additional information:
* This role involves regular hands‑on work in laboratory and workshop environments
Additional Information
A full list of our benefits can be found here
UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.
UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.