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 ground-breaking 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

What to expect in our recruitment process:
For a step-by-step overview of how we hire from application to offer please see our Recruitment Process page: careers.ukaea.uk/join-us/recruitment-process

The salary for this role is £43,702 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week.

This role can be based at any of the following sites; 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 and possibly a search of open source data. 

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Testing Rigs & Labs Technician to provide advanced hands‑on technical support within our experimental laboratories. 

In this role, you will play a key part in building, operating and maintaining testing rigs and laboratory systems that support prototype development and experimental programmes. You will work closely with engineers, scientists and other technicians, applying practical expertise to ensure experiments are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high technical standard. 

You will act as a subject‑matter specialist in defined areas of laboratory practice, take ownership of discrete work activities, and support the development of junior technicians and apprentices. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out hands‑on laboratory and experimental work, including fabrication, assembly, integration, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of testing rigs and equipment 
• Support the safe and effective day‑to‑day operation of testing rigs and laboratory facilities 
• Apply practical expertise to translate drawings, schematics and test plans into robust physical setups 
• Identify and resolve technical issues during builds and experimental operations, escalating novel or higher‑risk problems as required 
• Contribute to risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work within laboratory environments 
• Take responsibility for defined operational areas such as tooling, consumables, equipment organisation or calibration coordination 
• Maintain accurate records for equipment status, servicing, calibration and experimental activities 
• Support the collection, handling and basic processing of experimental data 
• Contribute practical input to experimental planning, design reviews and operational improvement activities 
• Guide and mentor junior technicians and apprentices, promoting good laboratory practice and safe working 
• Work collaboratively with engineers and stakeholders, communicating clearly and professionally 

Essential Requirements:

• Relevant technical qualification in a STEM discipline (e.g. HNC/HND or equivalent experience) 
• Proven hands‑on experience in laboratory, workshop, prototype or experimental test environments 
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical skills, with the ability to work confidently from technical drawings and documentation 
• Experience assembling, commissioning, operating or maintaining test rigs or experimental equipment 
• Awareness of laboratory hazards (e.g. pressure, vacuum, cryogenic, high‑voltage systems) and safe working practices 
• Experience contributing to risk assessments and safety documentation 
• Ability to work independently within established procedures and manage competing tasks 
• Clear written and verbal communication skills 
• Experience supporting or guiding less‑experienced colleagues 

Desirable Requirements:

• Degree in engineering or a related discipline 
• Experience supporting R&D or novel technology programmes 
• Familiarity with instrumentation, control systems or data acquisition 
• Experience contributing to laboratory improvements, equipment upgrades or facility development 
• Knowledge of laboratory compliance frameworks (e.g. COSHH, PUWER or similar) 

Additional information:

• This role involves regular hands‑on work in laboratory and workshop environments 

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

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.  

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