Senior Cost Engineer - UKIFS Ltd

STEP Fusion

Retford

On-site

GBP 50,936 - 62,255

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Job summary

A leading fusion energy organization is seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to lead cost engineering activities and support cost optimisation for the STEP prototype fusion plant. This role requires strong engineering background, excellent communication, and the ability to influence stakeholders. The position is based in Retford, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including flexible working options.

Qualifications

Degree in engineering or scientific discipline or significant experience in engineering.
Strong cost engineering background in infrastructure or engineering environments.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of cost models relevant to assigned product areas.
Influence the design to achieve an integrated cost-optimised plant design.
Manage external procurement for cost estimation activities.

Skills

Cost engineering background

Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to influence stakeholders

Self-motivated

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in engineering or scientific discipline

Job description

Company Description

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd. is a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and leads the delivery of fusion energy through the design and construction of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype plant. UKIFS is building a fusion supply chain, attracting talent, engaging with industry, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype, with commercial viability aimed for mid‑century and operations expected around 2040.

Benefits

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme – details at the end of the 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 employment.
Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
Generous annual leave – 25 days plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2½ privilege days, plus UK bank holidays.
Vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

Salary and Location

Salary: £56,596 (inclusive of an allowance). Onsite working is expected for 60% of each week.

Location: West Burton in Nottinghamshire.

Job Summary

UKIFS is leading the STEP programme to deliver the world’s first prototype fusion energy plant by 2040. We are seeking a Senior Cost Engineer to lead cost engineering activities, influence design, and support integrated cost optimisation across the prototype and future commercial successors.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development of cost models relevant to assigned product areas.
Influence the design of individual product areas to achieve an integrated cost‑optimised plant design.
Form an integrated understanding of how costs of individual systems affect the overarching prototype cost.
Launch and manage external procurement for cost estimation activities.
Ensure timeliness of model creation relative to decision time‑scales.
Act as the main point of contact for cost assessment and participate in design review meetings.
Gain a top‑level understanding of partnered product areas.
Identify and protect intellectual property across all costing activities.
Ensure rigorous documentation of cost modelling and optimisation, producing credible reports and facilitating due‑diligence review.
Co‑coach graduate cost engineers in cost engineering and fusion plant integration.

Qualifications

Degree in engineering or scientific discipline or significant experience in engineering.
Strong cost engineering background in infrastructure or engineering environments with technical understanding, or strong knowledge of fusion power plant integration.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build working knowledge of a new, complex subject matter quickly.
Self‑motivated and capable of working independently within a multi‑disciplinary team.
Ability to influence product design leads, senior management, and other stakeholders.
Ability to plan and manage costing modelling and optimisation activities to support commercially viable product options.
Ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders (R&D product development teams, universities, SMEs and suppliers).
Resilience in a high‑paced working environment.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and receive a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Additional Information

Benefits details: https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

Under‑represented groups, individuals from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women are especially encouraged to apply. Our Executive team, supported by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, promotes diversity and removes barriers to success.

Please note vacancies are generally advertised for four weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.

For applicants outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, details on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants. If your country is not listed or the UK Government lacks information, we regret to inform that we cannot process your application.

Job Details