MAST-U Operations Manager

Join MAST-U Operations Manager

UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is looking for a senior Operations Manager for MAST-U, the largest operating tokamak in the world. Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy.

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating cleaner, carbon‑free energy that our world badly needs.

• 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.

The salary for this role is £70,505 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). On‑site working is required five days per week. Occasional working from home may be accommodated, and 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 MAST‑U Operations Manager you are responsible for the day‑to‑day delivery of operations periods, including the commissioning and restart of new plant. The role is a senior position with responsibility for reliable, efficient facility operations to meet the needs of UK, international and commercial programmes that use the facility.

• Be responsible for the reliable, day‑to‑day operation of the facility for use by scientific campaigns.
• Lead the operations team in the delivery of machine operations to meet safety, regulatory and procedural requirements.
• Provide clear measurable goals to define successful operation of the machine and deliver against them.
• Evaluate and recommend to the Head of MAST‑U Operations areas of improvement that should be invested in.
• Be responsible for the integrated commissioning of new plant and equipment on MAST‑U, such that new plant can be routinely used as part of the facility.
• Consult on machine operations matters externally to other teams, including other programmes, laboratories or commercial partners.
• Ensure there is effective communication of the operating schedule of the facility to all relevant stakeholders.

• Specific experience of commissioning and operating a large facility.
• Safety management: knowledge and experience of safety systems and personnel safety.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; including communication skills; experience of presenting information persuasively and succinctly; negotiating effectively with others and establishing & maintaining effective working relationships at all levels across a range of disciplines (e.g. engineering and science).
• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage changing and/or conflicting priorities and time optimally.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and respond to difficult situations by showing initiative and judgement in an evolving environment.
• Demonstrable analytical and problem‑solving skills to maximise machine availability for users.

• Specific experience of fusion research facilities.
• Experience of experimental plasma physics through engineering, science or operation of a facility.
• Leadership of an interdisciplinary team in a research environment.
• Knowledge and experience of radiation safety.
• Expert knowledge of tokamak systems; such as high voltage electrical supplies, vacuum, cryogenics.

A full list of our benefits can be found here

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented…