Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Culham; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave allowance

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme & Mental

Health & wellbeing

Job summary

A national energy research organization is seeking a Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer in Culham, UK. The role involves leading complex engineering projects, setting design direction, and mentoring junior engineers in a high-hazard industry. Candidates should have a degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering and strong communication skills. This full-time position offers a vibrant culture committed to inclusion and extensive career development opportunities alongside competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• A broad understanding of design and engineering processes.
• Experience in high-hazard industrial environments.
• Chartered Engineer status preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex EC&I projects from concept to delivery.
• Set direction for design and installation strategies.
• Mentor junior engineers in technical development.
• Represent UKAEA externally and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work interdisciplinary

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related discipline

HND with breadth and depth of experience

Job description

Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer

Join to apply for the Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer role at UK Atomic Energy Authority located in Culham, Oxfordshire. Onsite working is expected but hybrid arrangements can be discussed where appropriate.

By 2050, global electricity demand could double. Fusion, the process that powers the Sun, offers a carbon‑free path to meet that need. UKAEA is a world‑leading partner in realizing fusion energy, and this role provides the leadership needed to bring the H3AT (Hydrogen‑3 Advanced Technology centre) Project’s advanced electrical, control and instrumentation systems to the grid.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme – details 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 at 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.

Recruitment Process

For a step‑by‑step overview of how we hire from application to offer please see our Recruitment Process page: https://careers.ukaea.uk/join-us/recruitment-process.

Role

The Control and Instrumentation Group leads the design, building, commissioning and maintenance of electrical, control and instrumentation systems for UKAEA projects. As Principal Control & Instrumentation Engineer you will provide high‑level technical leadership and innovation in a complex, often unprecedented field. You will be responsible for delivering high‑impact solutions on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex EC&I projects from concept to delivery, including critical systems with site‑wide or external impact.
• Set direction and advise on design, installation and operational strategies.
• Create and implement new technical standards, processes risk no formal procedures exist.
• Represent UKAEA externally, contribute to technical development and mentor junior engineers.

Requirements

Essential

• A Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related discipline, or an HND with equivalent breadth and depth of experience.
• A broad and deep understanding of design and related engineering processes, practices, current standards and industry best‑practice.
• A good understanding and willingness to work to modern standards in health, safety, environment and quality assurance.
• Experience working within a high‑hazard industrial environment.
• Good communication and influencing skills with the ability to work and communicate with an interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technicians and external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer status with a suitable professional institution.
• Functional Safety qualifications (e.g. TÜV Rheinland FSEng).

Additional Information

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

UKAEA welcomes talented people from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean, African and Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds, and anyone who can help us achieve our mission.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email [e-mail] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research Services