Mechnanical Engineer - Coring and Marine Systems

British Antarctic Survey 
BAS 26/78
Contract type Fixed-Term Contract – 36 months
Location BAS Cambridge
Salary Band D S1 £46,444 - £51,088 per annum
Closing date 23/11/2026 22:55
Interview date 08/12/2026
 

Overview
Purpose
To oversee the integration of the two new Sediment coring systems onto the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) and to maintain scientific or operational mechanical based systems and to support scientific cruises on board research ships.
 

Duties
• To oversee the integration of the new Piston Corer and the Giant Piston Corer onto the SDA. 
• Provide mechanical engineering support and deliver engineering projects to scientific and operational teams based in the UK, on board research vessels, and in polar regions. 
• Maintain, fault-find, and support scientific and operational mechanical systems, including equipment deployed on ships and at remote polar locations. 
• Work collaboratively with engineering and science teams to plan and deliver projects and tasks safely, efficiently, and to agreed standards. 
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, systems, and working practices within Engineering and Technology. 
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility, as required.

 

 

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
Essential
•    Broad, practical, mechanical experience.
•    Relevant HNC or higher. 
•    Experience use of design software. 
•    Proficient in written and spoken English. 
•    Demonstrable teamwork .
•    Ability to work on ship or remote polar environment.
Desirable
•    Polar or marine systems. 
•    Scientific or data acquisition instruments. 
•    Maintenance of mechanical systems. Control systems. 
•    Maintenance of hydraulic systems. 
•    Coring experience. 
•    Relevant Degree or lower qualification supported by extensive experience. 
•    Project management for small projects. 
•    Able to communicate to a wide range of audiences. 
•    Excellent problem-solving skills. 
•    Small or remote team experience.

 

 

Three Women, Three Very Different Paths into BAS Engineering - VERCIDA

Women in Engineering at British Antarctic Survey - VERCIDA

 

 

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
 

Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the UKRI Internal Movement Guidance for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and your HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.
 

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How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

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British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.