Head of Engineering - Prototype and Testing

The Engineer UK; Retford; Hybrid; GBP 88,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a visionary Head of Engineering to lead the prototype and testing area for the UK's first fusion energy plant. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of sustainable energy, requiring a strong engineering background and chartered status. You will define the delivery strategy, manage technical risks, and foster a collaborative environment focused on innovation. With a competitive salary, extensive benefits, and a commitment to diversity, this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a groundbreaking project. If you're ready to drive change in the energy sector, apply today!

Benefits

Corporate bonus scheme

25 days annual leave

Defined benefit pension scheme

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development opportunities

Relocation allowance

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large-scale testing programmes in complex environments.
• Proven track record in engineering management roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and delivery of Prototype and Testing activities.
• Manage technical risks and oversee workforce planning.

Skills

Engineering Management

Programme Management

Technical Risk Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Digital Technologies

Education

Degree in STEM discipline

Chartered Engineer status

Tools

Virtual Twin Technology

Job description

About The Job

Head of Engineering - Prototype and Testing

West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire (with hybrid working and potential for travel)

Our Organisation

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is leading the design, build, and future operation of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production). Building on decades of world-leading research, UKIFS works closely with industry partners to turn the promise of fusion into a practical, sustainable energy source for the future.

Our mission is to bring together the expertise needed to deliver commercial fusion energy, developing cost-effective fusion plants that will transform global energy production. With a strong commitment to innovation, diversity, and collaboration, we are creating a world-class workforce to solve one of the planet’s toughest challenges — and shape a cleaner, more sustainable future.

To meet our programme milestones and objectives, we are currently seeking a highly experienced and visionary Head of Engineering to join us working in our prototype and testing area on a full-time, permanent basis.

What We Offer

• Salary of £87,038 per annum (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance)
• Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7%
• 25 days’ annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Relocation allowance (if eligible)
• A wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive
  
  

This is an unparalleled opportunity for a talented and innovative engineering leader with chartered status and a technical background to make a tangible and lasting contribution to a project of national and global significance.

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the success of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, leading groundbreaking activities that will accelerate us towards a clean, sustainable energy future.

What’s more, you’ll enjoy an outstanding benefits package designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing, including a corporate bonus scheme, an exceptional defined benefit pension and flexible working options.

So, if you’re ready to make a lasting impact on one of the most ambitious engineering projects of our time, then apply today.

Your Role

As the Head of Engineering for our STEP programme, you will lead the strategic direction and delivery of all Prototype and Testing (P&T) Technology Demonstration activities.

You will define and implement the overall P&T delivery strategy, establishing a strong culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

Working closely with leaders across Integrated Project Teams, you will ensure the programme is equipped with the personnel, facilities and digital tools needed to operate efficiently across the P&T lifecycle.

Your work will be critical to ensuring the success of this pioneering fusion energy project, shaping both the physical and virtual testing infrastructure needed to build confidence in STEP’s technical designs and future performance.

Additionally, You Will

• Manage technical risks
• Drive the development of a comprehensive Virtual Twin
• Lead the strategic exploitation of digital technologies to enhance engineering capabilities
• Oversee strategic workforce planning and make/buy strategies for prototype and testing activities
• Lead stakeholder engagement and serve as the primary technical contact for P&T delivery
• Foster a collaborative, respectful working environment that champions innovation and diversity
  
  

About You

To be considered as our Head of Engineering, you will need:

• Experience successfully delivering large-scale testing programmes within complex technical environments
• A proven track record in programme or engineering management roles
• Experience setting and delivering organisational strategy and implementing business plans
• Extensive experience leading large, geographically distributed Engineering teams
• Experience operating within a business holding design authority
• A degree or equivalent in a relevant STEM discipline
• Chartered Engineer status
  
  

Please note, 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.

Other organisations may call this role Prototype and Testing Engineering Director, Strategic Engineering Lead, Fusion Prototype Engineering Manager, Engineering Programme Director, or Head of Engineering Development.

Webrecruit, UKAEA and UKIFS are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.

So, if you’re ready to drive the delivery of this pioneering first-of-a-kind fusion power plant as our Head of Engineering, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.