Technical Risk Manager - UKIFS

UK Atomic Energy Authority; Retford; Hybrid; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy research organization is seeking a Technical Risk Manager to identify and manage technical risks across multidisciplinary teams. The role involves supporting design decisions, managing risks, and ensuring alignment with project goals. Candidates should have a degree in Engineering or Risk Management and a strong understanding of risk management methods. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits, with onsite working expected for three days each week.

Benefits

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%

Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering or Risk Management.
• Deep understanding of risk management methods.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and management of technical risks across teams.
• Support options analysis and risk-based trade-offs.
• Create and maintain high-quality, traceable risk artefacts.

Skills

Risk management methods

Stakeholder engagement

Engineering project delivery

Education

Degree in Engineering or Risk Management

Tools

PLM tools

Job description

Company Description

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

The salary for this role is £56,596.00 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

The closing date to apply for this position is the 8th December 2025.

The role will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme (details at end of advert).
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 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.

Job Description

As a Technical Risk Manager, you will lead the identification and management of technical risks across multi-disciplinary teams. You'll support design decisions, manage technical conservatism, and ensure risks are escalated and aligned with STEP's evolving design phases.

Responsibilities

• Bridge detailed design work with a systems-level view of the STEP Prototype Plant (SPP), identify and communicate technical risks early and clearly.
• Support IPTs in options analysis, risk‑based trade‑offs, and justification of design proposals through leadership in engineering risk identification.
• Ensure a pragmatic and consistent approach to technical conservatism so that all engineering areas align with a shared understanding of acceptable technical risk across the PBS and design artefacts.
• Create and maintain high-quality, traceable risk artefacts within the STEP PLM environment.
• Provide clear, objective, and actionable risk reporting into dashboards, reviews, and governance forums for a variety of technical and programme stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Programme and Project risk managers to share technical risk for handling and incorporating as part of the wider STEP risk package.

Accountabilities

• Technical Risk Framework & Governance – Lead the development and implementation of technical risk management approaches; define and embed processes that support consistent identification, documentation, and mitigation of technical risk across Integrated Project Teams; leverage data within the PLM ecosystem; implement and maintain risk registers.
• Design Team Support & Risk Escalation – Lead delivery of engineering risk activities with design teams; structure and facilitate risk workshops, assumption reviews, and design assurance activities; identify whole‑plant risks and work with senior engineering stakeholders to manage resolution or escalation; support the evolution of risk‑informed options analysis and decision‑making frameworks.
• Embov a Leadership Mindset – Foster a positive and inclusive team environment; contribute to maintaining respectful and collaborative workplace; lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour; supervise junior engineers and students; adhere to group and organisational management systems.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience

• A degree or equivalent experience in Engineering or Risk Management.
• Deep understanding of risk management methods.
• Knowledge of programme risk management, techniques and interfaces.
• Delivery of Engineering projects using PLM tools.
• Ability to shape and define processes and systems from first principals.
• Experience working in a diverse multi‑partner organisation.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in systems‑thinking approaches to engineering.
• Experience in a complex Engineering design environment; aerospace, defence, automotive, process industry etc.
• Experience in proactive engineering management techniques (i.e. Advanced Product Quality Planning).

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Please email [e-mail] if you have any questions or require adjustments to compete on a fair basis.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. At present SC clearance may be required in future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.