TOKAMAK Operations Engineer

Company Description

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 worlds energy? If so, read on.

Abingdon Rd, Culham, UK
Full‑time

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 realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking 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.

• 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.

For a step‑by‑step overview of how we hire from application to offer, please see our Recruitment Process page on our website.

The salary for this role is £56,596 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. This role can be based at any of the following sites:
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 and possibly a search of open source data.

As a TOKAMAK Operations Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in contributing directly to several critical aspects of the MAST‑Upgrade Operations & Machine Protection Working Group (MPWG) for MAST‑U function:
Establishing and updating the Design Basis together with the Operational Envelope in an informed, controlled manner through identification and strategic mitigation of Technical Risk, both on a proactive and reactive basis. Development and effective implementation of appropriate Engineering Processes and Standards across UKAEA.

• Lead and manage the execution of high‑profile mechanical engineering activities (including exploratory research, assessment of plant designs/modification and reactive/proactive issue resolution for operational plant) with particular emphasis on tasks requiring expertise in engineering analysis, numerical solutions, and multi‑disciplinary simulation.
• Use and develop computer‑aided engineering (CAE) tools to simulate design functionality and qualify performance; manage a schedule of reference calculation methods and tools for use in a fusion component design.
• Conduct relevant benchmarking experiments, physical tests or plant demonstrations.
• Understand the behaviour of complex/interacting plant systems and the impact of lifetime degradation effects.
• Diagnose and resolve issues of plant integrity and plant protection. Ensure that the operation of the experimental facilities has an appropriate balance between performance, reliability and lifetime.
• Identify improved ways of operating the research machines to enhance their performance within the existing capabilities of the available plant.
• Undertake fitness for purpose reviews and technical investigations and assessments into design or operational issues.
• Technical Risk Assessment & Management for competing requirements (Reliability, Safety, Performance, Lifetime).
• Lead risk‑based exceptions/tailored applications based on a clear understanding of the rationale for the rules.
• Act as subject‑matter expert for specific regulations. Author compliance processes or procedures within a diverse business;
  Member of relevant…