Head of Power Supplies Group

Head of Power Supplies Group

Harwell, Oxfordshire

Salary: £55,097 - £64,821

Full time / Flexible hours considered

Reference: 11003

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology.

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research. To maintain this position into the next decades a major upgrade of the facility is being planned called Diamond-II.

About the Role

We now have an excellent opportunity for a Head of Magnet Power Supplies Group to manage the operation and future development of Diamond’s magnet power supplies.

You will be required to provide a high level of technical knowledge and practical experience of high stability power supply technology, covering DC, AC and pulsed systems and their control interfaces.

You will also manage the fault analysis and improvement programmes to achieve continuous improvement in operational reliability, taking into account component ageing and obsolescence issues.

Further responsibilities will include:

• Any future new power supplies, or power supply developments, including cabling and termination details, in particular for Diamond-II
• Safety aspects related to the operation of the power supply systems, the cabling and magnet loads, including preparing any necessary safety documentation.
• Provide training, documentation and support to the Operation Team.
• Organise and participate in out of hours support for the operation of the power supplies.

You will be required to work outside normal working hours on occasions, as operational needs dictate. You will also need to travel within the UK and overseas on occasions.

About You

You will have a degree in electrical or electronic engineering or demonstrate significant equivalent experience.

You will demonstrate significant practical experience of power converter topologies either AC/DC, DC/DC or cycling and power over 1kW and/or pulsed power supplies with pulses in the kA range and 150 ns to 100 ms duration.

You will have experience of leading a power supplies team along with experience of managing projects involving multiple activities and people. You will also have experience of managing purchase contracts with industry in excess of £50k.

You will also demonstrate knowledge or experience of:

• The simulation of power supply performance e.g. using MATLAB Simulink.
• Power electronics component technologies.
• Analogue and digital control loops and control theory.
• Digital control technologies (DSP, FPGA etc.)
• PCB design.
• Testing power supply performance – ripple and long-term stability at the few ppm level, EMC, harmonics, dynamic response etc.
• Component level fault finding and failure analysis.
• Future trends in power supply technology.

You will display good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels.

Benefits

Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 25 days annual leave plus 13 days of statutory and company holidays, along with flexible working hours and an excellent pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.

To Apply

Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.

Diamond is a thriving international organisation, attracting a diverse range of talented individuals from around the world. Our staff currently comprises 44 nationalities and we welcome applications from everyone interested in joining us.

The closing date for applications is 19th March 2023.