Mechanical Design Engineer

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Clifton Hampden; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy organization seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to fusion sub-systems' design and development. This role involves implementing design requirements, managing processes, and delivering projects effectively. The ideal candidate will have a relevant engineering degree and strong skills in design, manufacturing techniques, and team leadership. Flexible working options are available, and the organization promotes inclusion and diversity.

Benefits

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave allowance

Wide range of career development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Ability to perform exploratory design concepts using first principles.
• Proven capability in engineering design with good knowledge of materials.
• Experience with environmental factors like vacuum and magnetic fields.

Responsibilities

• Support design and development of fusion sub-systems.
• Implement design requirements and manage processes for compliance.
• Deliver projects successfully while preparing technical documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal abilities

Engineering design knowledge

Manufacturing techniques

Data configuration control

Design standards compliance

Team leadership

Education

Relevant engineering degree/HNC/apprenticeship or equivalent

Job description

The salary for this role is £42,858 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 3 days a week, however, we actively consider requests for flexible working.

This role is based at the following site: 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.

The Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting the design and development of major fusion sub-systems, contributing to a significant programme of work from concept through to detailed design. You will also support enhancement programmes and the development of future fusion devices.

You will use the latest manufacturing techniques to guide design decisions, ensuring high-quality, robust, and efficient solutions. You will be responsible for keeping projects on track and delivering designs that meet all technical and performance requirements.

You will be accountable for all design aspects of your assigned systems and components, including repairs, replacements, and upgrade activities, while maintaining exceptional standards of engineering excellence.

Support design projects on major fusion sub-systems, from concept through to detailed design, for enhancement programs at CCFE facilities and future fusion devices.

• Implement and manage design requirements, interfaces, and processes to ensure performance and compliance.
• Ensure detailed designs are validated, including tolerances for different manufacturing options, collaborating with technicians, analysts, and suppliers as needed, and maintain compliance with design and manufacturing standards.
• Deliver projects successfully within constraints, including preparing and supporting technical reports, departmental notes, and procedures.
• Lead and supervise design activities, applying value engineering and design‑for‑manufacture principles, demonstrating strong communication, teamwork, and adherence to organisational management systems.

The post holder may be required to undertake any other duties that are reasonable and commensurate with this role.

Qualifications

You should have excellent communication and technical writing skills along with strong interpersonal abilities. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

• A relevant engineering degree/HNC/apprenticeship or equivalent.
• Understanding of the operation of data configuration control.
• Ability to perform exploratory design concepts using first principles.
• Proven capability in engineering design and good working knowledge of manufacturing techniques/engineering materials and their properties.
• Experience with relevant environmental factors such as vacuum and transient magnetic fields.
• Experience with working to design standards.
• Leading teams and supervising other staff.

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 world's energy? If so, read on.

Fusion and UKAEA

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 ground‑breaking 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.

UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We are under‑represented from some groups and so want to encourage applications in particular from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. 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.

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 full list of benefits and to apply, select the apply button to be taken through to the UKAEA careers pages.