Deputy Chief Engineer

Deputy Chief Engineer

FUNCTION: Design Authority
GRADE: 7
REPORTING TO: Chief Engineer

Location: West Burton or Culham
Employment Type: Permanent

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 the 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 the 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. 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 groundbreaking journey.

For more information, visit our website.

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 Deputy Chief Engineer within the Design Authority of 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.

Job Description:

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 of 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.
- Emergency paid leave, Generous annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with length of service.
- Wide range of career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

We offer a competitive salary which includes excellent benefits and an outstanding pension.

For a full list of benefits and to apply, select the apply button to be taken through to the UKAEA careers pages.

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.

The Role

We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Chief Engineer to support the Chief Engineer in driving the design and development of the STEP Prototype Fusion Powerplant. This role is one of the most exciting engineering opportunities globally, given the unprecedented nature of this cutting-edge technology and its immense importance to the world and UK economy. The Design Authority holds overall accountability for technical risk and decisions related to the integrity, performance, and safety of product designs throughout their full lifecycle within the organisation or alliance.

Key Responsibilities:

- Whole Plant Design Vision: Define and own the overarching vision for the fusion power plant's design. Establish high-level objectives and requirements to guide the system towards a high-performing, safe, and sustainable prototype.
- Integration and Design Integrity: Lead the seamless integration of functional, spatial, technological, and interdisciplinary aspects. Resolve conflicts, balance competing objectives, and ensure the plant achieves optimal performance.
- Technical Risk and Safety Management: Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks while taking calculated risks to optimise overall system performance. Prioritise safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in all design decisions.
- Early Design Concepts: Foster ingenuity and design flair by investigating and incubating early-stage concepts. Translate innovative ideas into concrete requirements, laying the foundation for the plant's evolution.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, coordinating teams across systems, materials, controls, and operations. Drive integrated decision-making that reflects the plant's complex and emergent nature.
- Compliance and Scalability: Ensure the plant design meets industry standards, quality codes, and regulatory requirements. Focus on scalability and long-term viability as new technologies and operational needs emerge.
- Organisational Effectiveness: Oversee the day-to-day management of the Design Authority function, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and compliance with STEP Programme and UKIFS policies.
- Leadership Mindset: Embody positive leadership behaviours, fostering a supportive and dynamic team environment. Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organisation's values and professionalism.

Qualifications:

We are seeking a forward-thinking leader with the expertise and passion to deliver transformative engineering solutions.

Essential Qualifications:

- Masters in a STEM-related field or equivalent qualification.
- Internationally recognised expertise in fusion research and fusion plant design.
- Expertise in the design and behaviour of Tokamaks.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Experience working collaboratively with senior stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes.
- Influential communicator with the ability to present authoritatively at international conferences and handle media engagements.
- Positivity and enthusiasm, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.
- Experience in media engagement and public sector knowledge.

Desirable Skills:

- Experience delivering design through all lifecycle phases in high hazard and/or technically complex major programmes.
- Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Simulation Process and Data Management (SPDM) systems.
- Understanding of Safety Case Report and Environment Impact Assessment requirements related to energy or technology sectors.

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 organisation. 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 UK Government website for information on criminal records checks. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.