Senior Mechanical Engineer

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy research organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of fusion subsystems. This role involves managing multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring high-quality engineering outputs and project delivery. The ideal candidate will have experience with design standards, strong leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills. Flexible working arrangements are supported, with onsite work expected for 3 days a week.

Qualifications

• Experience working to design standards, particularly pressure vessel standards.
• Proven ability to lead teams and supervise staff.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of major fusion subsystems.
• Oversee engineering activities for systems and components.
• Manage multi-disciplinary project teams and ensure coordination.
• Provide technical leadership on complex engineering issues.
• Plan and deliver engineering projects from specification to handover.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers to improve competencies.

Skills

Team leadership

Technical writing

Communication skills

Engineering calculations

Project management

Job description

The salary for this role is £56,596 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of major fusion subsystems and research facilities, from initial concept through to detailed design. In this role, you'll plan and manage projects that support enhancement programs and future fusion devices, applying your expertise in engineering calculations to guide key design decisions. You'll oversee activities such as system and component integration, installation, repair, and upgrades, while producing high-quality technical reports and ensuring all work meets rigorous design and safety standards.

• Lead the design and delivery of major fusion sub-systems and enhancement programs for UKAEA facilities and future fusion devices, from concept through detailed design.
• Oversee engineering activities for assigned systems and components, including analysis, repair, replacement, upgrade, and validation against international and fusion‑specific design standards.
• Manage multi‑disciplinary project teams, including designers and drawing office staff, ensuring effective coordination, adherence to design requirements, and high‑quality technical output.
• Provide technical leadership and decision‑making on complex or critical engineering issues, influencing senior stakeholders and acting as a technical reference within the organisation.
• Plan and deliver engineering projects from specification to handover, including on‑site repair and upgrade programmes, procurement, contract management, and value engineering implementation.
• Promote excellence and development by supervising and mentoring junior engineers, improving group competencies, maintaining strong communication, and enhancing productivity through new systems and processes.

If you have experience working to design standards (especially pressure vessel standards), proven ability to lead teams and supervise staff, strong communication and technical writing skills, and excellent interpersonal abilities, we'd love to hear from you.