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 leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment. 
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, 
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive

The salary for this role is:

• £52,293 (inclusive of MPP) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

This role can be based at the following site; Culham, Oxfordshire.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) , including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Mechanical Engineer, you will play a pivotal role to lead design work on major fusion sub-systems, from concept through to detailed design, and to plan and manage projects on enhancement programs and future fusion devices. The role holder is experienced in performing engineering calculations to support design decisions. They may manage projects for system/component repair, replacement or upgrade activities. They produce technical reports and ensure adherence to design standards.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Lead design work on major fusion sub-systems, overseeing all engineering aspects, from concept to detailed design, ensuring compliance with international and fusion-specific standards.
• Manage project teams, develop and implement systems for design requirements and performance, and ensure adherence by design teams.
• Plan and execute engineering projects, including repair, maintenance, and upgrades, managing work from specification to equipment handover.
• Produce technical reports, supervise detailed design and manufacture, prepare and manage tender documentation, and ensure value engineering principles are applied.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers and students, act as a technical reference, and contribute to enhancing group competences and productivity.

Essential Requirements:

• A relevant engineering degree, a HNC and 4 years experience or equivalent.
• Ability to perform exploratory design calculations using first principles.
• Proven capability in engineering analysis and a good working knowledge of engineering materials and their properties.
• Experience with relevant environmental factors such as vacuum and transient magnetic fields.
• Good working knowledge of structural and thermal engineering, solid mechanics and engineering materials.
• Experience of Nuclear decommissioning (particularly working with tritium and beryllium)
• Leading teams and supervising other staff.
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.