Design Chief Architect Engineer - UKIFS Ltd.

Job Description

As the Design Chief Architect Engineer, you will collaborate with the Chief Engineer to deliver world-first infrastructure, facilities, and plant integration solutions for the STEP prototype fusion powerplant. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation, safety, and scalability in one of the most complex engineering projects of our time. The Design Authority holds overall accountability for technical risk and decisions related to the integrity, performance, and safety of the whole plant design throughout the full lifecycle within the organisation or alliance.

You will:

• Define the Design Vision:
  • Establish the architectural and civil engineering vision that aligns with programme objectives, balances technical requirements with innovative design flair, and embraces modular and scalable approaches.
  • Shape the design policies, standards, and requirements to align with STEP’s long-term programme goals.
• Lead Cross-Disciplinary Integration:
  • Ensure seamless integration of facilities, services, and plant systems, managing interfaces and resolving design conflicts through balanced decision making.
  • Oversee spatial/functional/technological integration, site layouts, and virtual models to eliminate clashes and optimise performance, access and zoning.
• Guide Early Concept Development:
  • Lead the exploration and refinement of early-stage designs, ensuring alignment with overall plant performance and regulatory requirements.
  • Translate innovative concepts into actionable requirements for delivery teams.
• Manage Risk and Compliance:
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks, prioritising performance, safety, reliability, and compliance in this first-of-a-kind fusion project.
  • Ensure designs adhere to all industry standards, quality codes, and regulatory requirements while allowing for future scalability.
• Foster Innovation and Collaboration:
  • Challenge traditional nuclear facility construction by driving efficiency, modularisation, and scalable design, leveraging expertise in innovative methods, process optimisation, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Coordinate diverse teams across disciplines, promoting cohesive decision-making and alignment with the STEP programmes goals.
  • Act as the design authority, guiding the principal designer and contractor through construction and Development Consent Order (DCO) approval processes.
• Build the Future:
  • Develop and scale the Design Authority function within the STEP program, implementing best practices and ensuring robust delivery of objectives.

This role is a rare opportunity to lead and influence the architectural and civil engineering design of a revolutionary fusion energy plant.

Qualifications

We are seeking an exceptional leader with the technical expertise and strategic insight to deliver world-class designs for this transformative project.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Technical Expertise:
  • Degree in a STEM-related field or equivalent qualification (Chartered Engineer status preferred, ideally with the Institute of Civil Engineers).
  • Proven experience leading architectural and engineering design for large-scale, high-hazard, or regulated environments.
  • Deep knowledge of modern architectural principles, civil engineering processes, and integration workflows.
  • Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and early-stage concept development.
• Visionary Leadership:
  • Demonstrated ability to set and deliver design strategies for complex, multidisciplinary programs.
  • Expertise in aligning architectural and engineering designs with long-term program objectives.
  • Experience coordinating delivery across multiple partners or organizations.
• Innovation and Problem-Solving:
  • Proven ability to manage technical risk, drive innovation, and resolve design challenges in complex environments.
  • Strong adaptability, with the ability to embrace change and uncertainty while driving progress.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
  • Skilled in fostering collaboration across disciplines, resolving conflicts, and achieving consensus.
• Compliance and Future-Proofing:
  • Experience ensuring designs meet all legal, regulatory, and quality standards while planning for future scalability.
  • Understanding of public sector regulations, governance frameworks, and planning requirements.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience with Development Consent Order (DCO) processes.
• Background in nuclear, aerospace, or similar high-regulation industries.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing emergent technologies.

Additional Information

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. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records