Mechanical Engineering; Target Operations Apprentice

Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)

Contract Type:
Fixed-Term, 48 months

Hours:

Full-time, 37 hours

Location:

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot, OX11 0QX

Closing Date:
Sunday, 2nd February 2026

Interview Date:
Feb 2026 / Mar 2026

Start Date:

September 2026

Are you passionate about how things work and love solving technical problems? We're looking for an enthusiastic and curious individual who's eager to kick‑start their career in engineering. Whether you're fascinated by machines, mechanical systems, or finding creative solutions to problems, this apprenticeship offers the perfect opportunity to turn your passion into a profession.

We're looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands‑on experience. As an apprentice, you'll gain real‑world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting‑edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.

You'll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check‑ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you'll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

Our friendly, close‑knit group of around 31 specialists are diving into cutting‑edge technology and procedures to support both of the ISIS Target Stations. We're all about pushing boundaries for current and future ‘Big Science’ facilities—and our projects are anything but ordinary.

From collaborating with big‑name partners like CERN and the European Spallation Source, to navigating high‑stakes remote handling breakdowns, you'll be right in the middle of exciting, world‑class science with people who genuinely love what they do.

The Target Operations group covers it all – here’s a quick taster into what each team does to support the day‑to‑day running of the ISIS Target Stations! Our lifting team carries out heavy lifting jobs using the overhead cranes to move shielding blocks out the way giving technicians access to the equipment below. Our Operations team are the ones who install, monitor, maintain, and decommission the neutron targets and all the supporting systems using remote handling equipment.

Our muon operations team look after a very specialised section of Target Station 1 that uses muons for material science. And our manufacture team creates and assembles each of the targets using a wide range of specialist equipment and machinery.

• To work safely in an engineering environment.
• To follow safety procedures and regulations.
• Technical skills to fulfil your role.
• To perform planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance on a wide range of equipment.
• How to collaborate with engineers, technicians and stakeholders.
• Assist in completing jobs to required standards and maintaining accurate records.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities and sustainability practices.

Through the training provider Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, you will undertake a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship which will include:

• Year 1:
  You will be based at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), Culham rotating through blocks of 4‑6 weeks in duration. This will be supplemented with training relevant to STFC and giving a broad engineering foundation, delivered by STFC staff, in conjunction with UKAEA, at the OAS site in Culham.
• Year 2:
  You will be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) with training in 4‑6‑week blocks at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) at Culham across the year.
• Years 3‑4:
  You will be fully in the workplace where you will further hone your skills to become a Target Operations Technician.
• You will be required to attend OAS as required as part of your training; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Excess travel costs will be covered.