Fusion Plasma Control Engineer - Real-Time Systems

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension

Bonus scheme up to 7%

Relocation allowance

Flexible working options

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Plasma Control Engineer to develop and operate Plasma Control Systems for fusion devices, primarily MAST-U and STEP. You will lead the lifecycle from requirements to deployment, and provide software support for tools and models used in national and international fusion programmes.

The role emphasizes real-time control, collaboration with researchers, and publication in journals and conferences.

Qualifications

• Degree in a scientific, engineering or technical subject (e.g. Plasma Physics, Control Engineering, Robotics, Software Engineering).
• Demonstrable experience of developing working, understandable software in at least one language used in scientific or engineering applications (particularly Python, C/C++, Fortran).
• Knowledge and experience of real time control systems.
• Appetite and ability to learn and apply new technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate well on projects.
• PhD or equivalent research experience working in an academic or industrial research environment.
• Knowledge of plasma physics or fusion fundamentals.
• Experience of Plasma Physics or experimental experience at a fusion research institution.
• Knowledge and experience of developing FPGA solutions for real time applications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, operation and maintenance of software, tools and models for MAST-U Plasma Control System and for the STEP programme.
• Collaborate with, and provide advice to, external organisations within the European Fusion community in the development of software related to plasma control and operations.
• Undertake software/control system development for other (non- MAST-U) projects for internal and external customers.
• Manage own tasks over days or weeks with attention to quality, timescales and communication.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentation for internal and external forums.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Fortran

Real-time control

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Degree in science/engineering

PhD or equivalent

Tools

FPGA

Job description

UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a Plasma Control Engineer to develop and operate Plasma Control Systems for fusion devices, primarily MAST-U and STEP. You will lead the lifecycle from requirements to deployment, and provide software support for tools and models used in national and international fusion programmes.

The role emphasizes real-time control, collaboration with researchers, and publication in journals and conferences.