Instrument Operations Engineer

at  The European Spallation Source

The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a data management and software development centre. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.
The ESS will be a user facility, welcoming researchers from around the world to perform experiments using the neutron instruments and associated facilities. We currently expect to have first neutron production in 2025 and welcome our first external users in 2027.
We are now looking for an Instrument Operations Engineer for the CSPEC instrument. The position is within the Spectroscopy Division.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a self-motivated person who is keen to support an instrument team in order to get it ready for first neutrons. You should be a ‘hands-on’ person and open to learn new things along the way. You will have:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical or vocational environment related to the project or a bachelor’s degree in Engineering or the Physical Sciences,
• Hands-on experience with complex technical equipment,
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and technical staff,
• Excellent oral and written English skills.

Physical requirements for this job include the use of hand, eye and ear protection gear, stooping, kneeling, lifting, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Ideally, you will also have:

• Experience with neutron experiments and neutron scattering procedures,
• Familiarity with workshop tools and equipment is a plus, but training can be provided,
• Experience with the development, operation, and maintenance of complex scientific equipment,
• Ability to perform simple mechanical design (CAD) and work with designers,
• Experience working in an international research environment.

As an Instrument Operations Engineer you will:

• Support the instrument team with the final installation of the instrument,
• Participate in the mechanical design and realization of modifications to an instrument required during installation, commissioning, upgrade and operation,
• Prepare, execute, and document test plans for the instrument components (“Cold commissioning”) working with the instrument scientist, engineer, IPL, and in liaison with staff in specialist disciplines/technical groups,
• Support the preparation of safety documentation, including standard operating procedures and operations manuals for instruments SRR,
• Plan, manage and execute scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of the instrument throughout its lifetime. Coordinate with support groups (vacuum, choppers, motion control, sample environment, etc…) maintenance activities,
• Support the instrument scientists, data scientists and users in the successful planning and execution of experiments,
• Analyse and develop solutions for successful integration and execution of novel experiments and equipment with the instrument,
• Support other instrument IOEs and support groups through close collaboration on related projects and cross training.