By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow's fusion power stations with the aim of bringing fusion electricity to the grid.

Who are we looking for?

Calling all Systems Engineers with experience of working on complex systems with the ability to grasp the basics of an engineering concept and explore wider implications in an innovative and novel way. If you have previous experience of systems engineering and have worked in multi-disciplinary teams, we are keen to hear from you. You will have the ability to consider and view various perspectives and will have previous knowledge and experience in systems engineering. 

This fascinating opportunity allows you to work on our STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) Programme, which offers the chance to be involved with an effort to build the world’s first commercially viable fusion power plant in the UK by 2040. The cross-cutting nature of Systems Engineering means that there are opportunities to engage with many different levels and aspects of this programme, as well as across UKAEA. You will play a key role in leading the development of the concept of operations and resulting system architecture, working in a collaborative, innovative and inclusive team.

What will you be responsible for?

• Leading and managing the technical development of a system throughout the project lifecycle
• Defining boundaries, defining and allocating requirements, evaluating design trade-offs, balancing technical risk between systems, defining and assessing interfaces, and providing oversight of verification and validation activities.
• Supporting change management initiatives for moving from a science led to engineering led organisation
• Keeping abreast of developments, innovation and best practice in systems engineering
• Developing and maintain the functional and physical architectures / definitions of systems
• Produce technical reports and provide analysis and evidence to support and supplement all activities

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of Systems Engineering
• Demonstrable ability to grasp the basics of an engineering concept and explore wider implications
• Previous experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams, developing complex systems.
• Ability to see multiple perspectives, as well as considering the bigger picture
• Innovative approach to work, with the ability to think laterally with previous experience of solving complex engineering problems
• Strong communication skills, both verbally and written, at all levels of an organisation
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills with the ability to manage expectations and provide updates to key stakeholders throughout the development of the programme
• Ability to apply systems thinking in a way that is appropriate for the context

What we offer

• A competitive salary  
• A culture committed to being fully inclusive, supported by a Being Inclusive Strategy and Inclusion Ambassadors 
• An Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, with a full calendar of health and wellbeing initiatives 
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies  
• Emergency leave (paid) 
• 30.5 days annual leave (including privilege days and 3 days between Christmas and New Year) increased with length of service 
• Wide range of career development opportunities (e.g professional registration, internal promotions, coaching and mentoring programme)  
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme  
• Annual corporate bonus scheme  
• Relocation allowance (if eligible) 

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particular from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities, (visible and hidden) and women. Our dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner, with the support of our Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the organisation to help make our organisation an employer of choice. We are easily accessible by car and are a 10 minute walk from Culham Railway Station.  

Please be advised that this vacancy is due to close on the 25th April 2021. We may close this earlier than stated if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received.

Please note all employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Disclosure Certificate application as part of their clearance – The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will show the details of all current criminal convictions (convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) or will confirm that there are no such convictions.