Robotics Research Engineer

UKAEA; South Oxfordshire; On-site; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

UKAEA is seeking a Robotics Research Engineer to contribute to cutting-edge research in robotics and AI for fusion technology. Applicants should possess a degree in a relevant field and experience in research engineering. Working onsite at Culham, benefits include an excellent pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Bonus scheme up to 7%

Relocation allowance (if eligible)

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave starting at 25 days

A culture committed to equality and inclusion

Qualifications

• Experience in Research Engineering or relevant postgraduate studies.
• Broad understanding of Robotics and related technologies.
• Ability to research and learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct theoretical and experimental research.
• Plan research activities and report results.
• Supervise PhD students and engage with research organizations.

Skills

Robotics

Machine Learning

AI

Mechanical systems

Control theory

Education

Degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical subject

Postgraduate degree

Tools

Software development

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 support requests for flexible working.

This role can be 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

The UKAEA Robotics Research and Technology Team is part of the Robotics Repurposing and Decommissioning Directorate. It delivers state-of-the-art research and innovation in robotics and AI, essential for the maintenance and operation of future fusion reactors. Established in 2016, the team of 20 has a focused core since 2022, contributing to projects in fusion-energy, nuclear decommissioning, and adjacent applications, including space. The role is to supplement core delivery capabilities in identified skill areas.

As a Robotics Research Engineer, you will conduct research to meet project needs aligned with core themes. Responsibilities include:

• reviewing the existing state-of-the-art,
• planning research activities,
• conducting theoretical and experimental research,
• reporting results to internal standards, writing academic papers,
• supervising PhD students,
• engaging with other research organisations.

The salary is £42,858 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus excellent benefits, including an outstanding pension scheme.

• Degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical subject or equivalent experience
• Experience in Research Engineering or postgraduate degree
• Broad understanding of Robotics with experience in areas such as manufacturing processes deployable by robots, radiation hardening technologies, ML/AI, digital infrastructure, mechanical systems, sensing, non-destructive testing, actuation mechanisms, dynamic modelling, control theory, and intelligent control systems.
• Understanding of engineering design principles and application
• Experience developing high-quality software for relevant applications
• Experience applying good development practices throughout research
• Ability to research and learn new technologies and domains and judge their application.

UKAEA values diversity and encourages applications from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds, and Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. We are committed to accessibility and fair recruitment practices. For questions or adjustments, please contact [e-mail].

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive many applications.

Benefits include:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Bonus scheme up to 7%
• Relocation allowance (if eligible)
• Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, plus additional days for holidays and closure periods
• A culture committed to equality and inclusion

Application Process

After submitting your application, CVs will be reviewed after the closing date. Join us in shaping the future of clean energy through fusion technology.

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