Experimental Operations Technician

Location

Kidlington, Oxfordshire | United Kingdom

Job description

First Light Fusion is engaged in the pursuit of a clean energy source by Inertial Confinement Fusion and are looking for a high-calibre technician, to support experiments on our gas guns and pulsed power facilities. These complex facilities, fire projectiles at speeds of up to 20km/s (44,000mph) into our targets, where the resulting shockwaves are amplified and concentrated to achieve the conditions required for fusion.

In this exciting and varied role, you will be executing tests to validate our fusion target technology in a diverse team, alongside some of the brightest minds in science and engineering. Our test platforms include some of the world’s most powerful gas guns, and pulsed-power facilities. You will assist in the setup and operation of the test facilities for our experiments, as well as supporting their development and maintenance.

The ideal candidate would be a highly motivated, team player with a background in running research and development test platforms. You would have an aptitude for a broad range of mechanical and electrical systems, with some knowledge of instrumentation and control.

Our experimental facilities are based in Yarnton, Oxford but as our new facility “M4” progresses into the build phase, there will be an opportunity to become part of the team who will operate, what is set to be the world’s largest pulsed power facility, based in Culham. First Light invests heavily in their people; as such, there may also be an opportunity for some travel, to support experiments on other internationally-recognized scientific research facilities or to attend conferences for your development. Where training is required, this will be provided by First Light.

Responsibilities will include:

• Operation and maintenance of our two-stage gas guns and pulsed power facilities. This will involve the setup of the machines, targets, and instruments as well as the execution of experiments.
• Contributing toward and helping to develop the capability of our facilities and processes, with the objective of improving the quality of our experiments and our
• efficiency.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for yourself and your colleagues.

Essential

• Experience in the operation, maintenance, and development of R&D test facilities i.e., scientific test platforms, motorsport or aerospace test rigs, wind tunnels or dynamometers or military asset testing
• Good mechanical aptitude, familiar with assembling and maintaining a range of complex mechanical and electrical equipment to high standards and tight tolerances.
• Good problem-solving skills
• Excellent health and safety awareness
• Qualification and experience to “EngTech” level or equivalent

Desirable

• Knowledge of safe working practices with, for example high-voltage or explosives
• Experience in the setup and calibration of optical, digital, and analogue instruments
• Experience with lab control software and/or PLC
• Familiar with quality tools such as 8D or Faults

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Free lunch, snacks, and soft drinks
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric vehicle car scheme
• Relocation support
• Flexible working
• Generous share options scheme
• Health and wellbeing scheme
• 8% employer pension contribution without matching requirements
• Enhanced maternal / paternal and sick leave

Job tags

Salary