Senior Quality Leader, STEP Fusion Programme

UK Atomic Energy Authority; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension scheme

Bonus scheme up to 7%

Relocation allowance

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Job summary

UK Fusion Energy Ltd. (UKFE) is seeking a Senior Quality Manager within the Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance function to define and deliver the STEP quality strategy for the fusion programme.

Reporting to the Head of SQ&M, you will ensure that systems, processes, and products are safe, compliant, and fit-for-purpose across the lifecycle. STEP is a high-consequence, first-of-a-kind programme; quality must be engineered in from the outset, with active governance, risk‑based assurance, and

Qualifications

• Degree Level Science or Engineering Qualification (or equivalent).
• Chartered member with relevant institution.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and product lifecycle management.
• In-depth knowledge of quality management systems and applicable standards (e.g., ISO9001).
• Experience leading product certification and conformity assessment activities, including managing UKCA‑relevant evidence, technical files, and engagement with regulators or notified bodies.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical and quality risks while enable innovation.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex technical interfaces.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the STEP Quality Strategy, aligned to organisational objectives, regulatory requirements, and programme priorities.
• Establish a coherent approach to achieving fit-for-purpose, risk-informed quality in a first-of-a-kind fusion environment.
• Drive consistent application of quality principles across engineering, operations, and the supply chain.
• Set expectations for structured quality and reliability tools, including design risk analysis (e.g. FMEA, DFMEA, FTA) and problem-solving methodologies (e.g. RCA, 8D, DMAIC).
• Build and lead a high-performing Quality function, embedding capability, resilience, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide independent assurance that management systems and governance frameworks enable safe, compliant, and high-quality outcomes.
• Define and implement a proportionate, risk-based assurance framework appropriate for a complex, first-of-a-kind programme.
• Oversee assurance activities including audits, surveillance, readiness reviews, and compliance assessments.
• Ensure insights from assurance and operational performance are captured and used to continuously improve systems and processes.
• Define and oversee the strategy for product and system certification within a regulated environment.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of robust conformity evidence, including UKCA requirements, essential requirements, and technical documentation.
• Enable integration of certification and compliance activities into programme delivery and lifecycle decision-making.
• Support engagement with regulators, notified bodies, and external assurance organisations to build confidence in STEP’s approach to novel technologies.
• Lead the identification, assessment, and management of quality-related risks across the lifecycle.
• Establish a structured, risk-based approach to quality management integrated with programme and engineering decision-making.
• Ensure alignment with safety, reliability, security, and environmental risk frameworks.
• Facilitate risk reviews and ensure timely mitigation and closure of actions.
• Act as a senior leader within SQ&MA, influencing quality outcomes across engineering, supply chain, and delivery partners.
• Champion a culture where quality is proactively engineered and assured, reflecting the high-consequence nature of the programme.
• Role-model organisational values, the Seven Principles of Public Life, and inclusive leadership behaviours.
• Promote a culture of curiosity, evidence-based decision-making, and disciplined problem-solving within complex, high-uncertainty environments.

Skills

Leadership

Quality mgmt

Engineering principles

Product lifecycle

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory liaison

Education

Degree in Science/Engineering

Chartered engineer

Tools

ISO 9001

Job description

UK Fusion Energy Ltd. (UKFE) is seeking a Senior Quality Manager within the Safety, Quality & Mission Assurance function to define and deliver the STEP quality strategy for the fusion programme.

Reporting to the Head of SQ&M, you will ensure that systems, processes, and products are safe, compliant, and fit-for-purpose across the lifecycle. STEP is a high-consequence, first-of-a-kind programme; quality must be engineered in from the outset, with active governance, risk‑based assurance, and