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) 

UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.

This role can be based at Culham.

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

RACE’s objective is to establish an internationally recognised centre of technical leadership in Remote Applications in Challenging Environments, delivering complex solutions, developing innovative technologies, and supporting UK industry. In support of this objective, Mechanical Design Engineers will:

• Deliver RACE project and operational responsibilities in collaboration with external partners, ensuring activities are completed within agreed timescales and budgetary constraints.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the RACE technology roadmap, supporting the identification and pursuit of emerging technologies and opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities:

System Analysis

• Assess remote compatibility, design feasibility and alternative technical solutions against defined requirements and performance criteria.
• Capture and manage system requirements, including interfaces, constraints and assumptions.
• Research and evaluate current and emerging technologies for application within RACE projects.

Design & Review

• Develop functional specifications, concepts and preliminary/detailed mechanical designs, including component selection and interface definition.
• Undertake structural, thermal, kinematic, fluid-flow and vibration analyses using appropriate analytical and computational methods.
• Produce and review CAD models, drawings and technical documentation, ensuring manufacturability, tolerances and assembly requirements are addressed.

Procurement & Commissioning

• Coordinate procurement, manufacture and assembly of bespoke and commercial components within programme, budget and quality requirements.
• Develop assembly, inspection, testing, commissioning and maintenance documentation.
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, quality control and resolution of manufacturing non-conformances.

Operational Analysis

• Develop and evaluate operational sequences, including VR simulations, considering accessibility, clashes, spatial constraints and ergonomics.
• Conduct RAMI and FMECA assessments to evaluate reliability, availability and potential failure modes.
• Develop maintenance strategies, spares requirements and remote recovery procedures.

Planning & Business Development

• Plan and coordinate project activities, resources and supporting staff to deliver work effectively.
• Support business development through technical proposals, resource estimates and cost assessments.
• Communicate technical work through customer reports, conference presentations and technical publications.

Essential Requirements:

• Recognised suitable engineering degree or equivalent
• Membership of a Professional Engineering Institution

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.