Head of Engineering - Fuel Cycle - UKIFS Ltd.

Company Description

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd., a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) protype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. 

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground-breaking journey. 

As an employee of UKIFS, 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 being fully inclusive.

Join the Pioneering Frontier of Fusion Energy!

Are you ready to shape the future of energy? Become part of an ambitious global effort to revolutionise power generation as the Head of Engineering – Fuel Cycle with UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS). We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit our careers website.

For more information on UKIFS, visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf 

We offer a competitive salary which includes excellent benefits and outstanding pension. A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/  

Employees of UKIFS can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire or 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.  Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future.  If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.

Job Description

As the Head of Engineering – Fuel Cycle, you will lead the engineering and integration of critical fuel cycle systems, including tritium recovery, breeder extraction, and purification processes. This is a central role within UKIFS’s senior leadership, requiring exceptional technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaboration skills to ensure the successful delivery of these complex and groundbreaking systems.

You will:

• Lead Engineering Excellence:
  • Oversee a multidisciplinary team of engineers, strategic partners, and Whole Plant Partners (WPPs), ensuring design activities align with STEP’s goals.
  • Manage and optimize a budget exceeding £3M (with significant growth expected).
  • Provide technical leadership for first-of-a-kind fuel cycle systems with low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
• Ensure Integration and Collaboration:
  • Act as the intelligent client, ensuring the seamless integration of fuel cycle systems with the wider STEP plant.
  • Work closely with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and industrial partners to maintain technical coherence and compliance.
• Drive Innovation and Risk Management:
  • Develop and implement digital solutions, such as PLM systems and virtual twins, to enhance technical delivery and decision-making.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory