Head of Engineering - Fuel Cycle - UKIFS Ltd.

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) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing 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. UKIFS 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.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family-friendly policies.
• 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 theHead of Engineering – Fuel CyclewithUK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS).

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, NottinghamshireorCulham, Oxfordshire.

Job Description
As theHead 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.

Responsibilities:

• 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 to enhance technical delivery and decision-making.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Shape the Future of Fusion Technology:
  
  • Establish and maintain technical standards for the development and operation of fuel cycle systems.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration to achieve STEP’s ambitious milestones.

Qualifications
We are seeking a forward-thinking leader with the expertise and passion to deliver transformative engineering solutions.
Essential Skills & Experience:

• Technical Expertise:
  
  • A degree in a STEM-related field (with Chartered Engineer status).
  • Proven success in delivering complex, high-tech engineering projects within a regulated environment.
  • Deep understanding of fusion fuel cycles, tritium recovery, and breeder extraction system design.
  • Knowledge of system interdependencies and engineering lifecycle processes, including low-TRL development.
• Strategic Vision and Innovation:
  
  • Demonstrated ability to align technical strategies with long-term organizational objectives.
  • Experience leveraging digital transformation tools to optimize engineering outcomes.
  • Proven success in managing technical risks and delivering innovative solutions.
• Leadership and Collaboration:
  
  • Inspirational leadership style with experience managing interdisciplinary teams.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Experience in building partnerships across industry, government, and academia.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving:
  
  • Ability to navigate uncertainty and embrace emerging technologies.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing innovative solutions in the fusion energy sector.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, or other high-regulation industries.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing techniques or materials science.
• Experience working within public-private partnerships or global consortia.

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 actively promotes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization.

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