Head of Engineering - Prototype and Testing - UKIFS Ltd.

Company Description

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

UKIFS employees can be based at either of our sites; West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire

Onsite workingis expected for3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

The salary for this role is competitive, commensurate with experience.

As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:

• Outstandingdefined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporatebonus schemeup to 7%and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working optionsincluding family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programmeand trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leaveallowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range ofcareer development opportunities.
• A vibrantculturecommitted to being fullyinclusive.
  
  

Job Description

To meet the STEP programme milestones and objectives, we are currently seeking a highly experienced and visionary Head of Engineering – Prototype and Testing to join our growing team of technical and organisational experts and drive the delivery of this pioneering first-of-a-kind fusion power plant.

The Role:

As a critical member of the STEP programme, you will be responsible for the strategic direction and execution of all Prototype and Testing (P&T) Technology Demonstration activities undertaken by UKIFS and its strategic partners on the STEP programme. Operating within a rigorous systems engineering framework, you will establish and own the overall P&T delivery strategy for this complex and evolving technical undertaking. You will be expected to foster a culture of engineering excellence and drive continuous improvement through structured work practices that support, rather than stifle, innovation.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering and collaborating closely with the leaders of the Tokamak Machine, Power & Cooling, Fuel Cycle, and Tokamak Complex Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), you will ensure the comprehensive suite of capabilities required for STEP P&T delivery is in place. This includes the strategic exploitation of existing and novel testing rigs and techniques. As the Design Authority for STEP, UKIFS entrusts you with the management of a significant portfolio of technical risk, ensuring timely access to the necessary expertise and resources to build confidence in the development of this landmark fusion energy facility.

You will play a crucial role in evolving the prototype and testing approach in parallel with design development, ensuring engineering needs are met and risks are mitigated appropriately at each phase of the engineering lifecycle. A key objective of the STEP programme is the creation of a comprehensive Virtual Twin. You will therefore collaborate closely with the Head of Engineering – Computing, Modelling and Simulation to ensure the development of accurate and validated virtual analogues of physical testing. Additionally, you will support the Director of Science and Technology in the evaluation of novel concepts and work in close partnership with the Chief Engineer to ensure the effective delivery of system-wide Verification and Validation. You will also collaborate with the Programme Management team to provide oversight and validation of progress against established plans.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of fusion energy in the UK. We want a leader who can navigate complexity and ambiguity, while contributing to the establishment of functional standards and efficient ways of working within a growing organisation. You will be expected to identify and champion the adoption of new technologies, drive efficiencies, and identify leadership opportunities within the nuclear fusion sector.

Key Accountabilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and implement the strategic direction for the physical technology demonstration programme, ensuring alignment with overarching STEP objectives. Identify and champion new advancements and efficiencies within nuclear fusion. Drive the strategic exploitation of digital technologies to enhance technical delivery performance. Develop long-term economic value through strategic siting and optimal utilisation of STEP investments in rigs and facilities. Identify and leverage synergies across testing opportunities.
• Programme Delivery Excellence: Ensure the programme is equipped with the necessary personnel, tools, infrastructure, and data to operate efficiently and effectively across all phases of the P&T lifecycle. Lead strategic workforce planning for a diverse team comprising strategic partners and suppliers. Drive the full integration of P&T activities within the PLM system to enable the journey towards a digital twin/Virtual STEP. Develop and execute a robust make/buy strategy for P&T, strategically leveraging existing resources while planning for long-term STEP lifecycle needs. Establish and enact effective prioritisation methodologies for P&T activities and implement consistent processes for rig lifecycle management to maximise efficiency. Collaborate with the Head of Programme Management for Engineering Capability to define, maintain, and deliver against agreed cost, schedule, and quality targets.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Provide clear oversight of all engineering P&T delivery. Employ sophisticated stakeholder management to ensure effective engagement and communication both internally and externally. Serve as the primary technical point of contact for all STEP P&T activities. Deputise for the Director of Engineering Programme as required. Embody a strong leadership ethos and a commitment to 'best for enterprise' outcomes. Actively contribute to a respectful and collaborative working environment that values diversity and promotes effective teamwork. Serve as a professional and ethical ambassador for the organisation in all interactions. Drive informed decision-making and effective problem-solving, considering diverse perspectives and strategic organisational goals.
  
  

Please note that this description is not exhaustive and may evolve to meet the needs of the programme.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree in a STEM related field.
• Chartered Engineer.
• Experience leading large, distributed Engineering teams, including multiple partners and businesses.
• Significant experience in delivering large scale testing programmes.
• Programme or Engineering Management experience.
• Strategic and innovative thinker with experience setting/delivering organisational strategy and implementing business plans in a collaborative way.
• Experience of working in a business that holds design authority.
• Effective communication skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, adapt communication style to diverse audiences, and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Ability to adapt to change and uncertainty, and embrace the evolving nature of the job.
• Ability to upskill quickly and have an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Proven ability to inspire and motivate technical teams.
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience working in an emergent tech environment.
• Experience delivering major programmes.
• Experience with Dassault Systems 3D Experience platform.
• Experience with virtual analogues of physical systems, including accreditation of such models.
• Commercial experience in contracting and negotiating, especially with respect to protection of Intellectual Property (IP).
  
  

Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found herehttps://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/.

We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly from women in STEM, people from BlackBritishCaribbean and African, Pakistani and Bangladeshi British, and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and neurotypical individuals. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion 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.

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 following link for information on criminal records checks:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicantsIf 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.