Head of Engineering – Materials Division in Abingdon

Head of Engineering – Materials Division in Abingdon

Abingdon Full-Time 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
F

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering for cutting-edge fusion energy projects and develop world-class research facilities.
  • Company: Join UK Atomic Energy Authority, a leader in clean energy innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while leading a high-performing team.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering with experience in project management and team leadership.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

Head of Engineering – Materials Division

Overview of Responsibilities The salary for this role is £94,758 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance).

Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week.

This role can be based at any of the following sites; 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 Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference?

Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy.

As Head of Engineering – Materials Division, you will provide strategic engineering leadership for an expanding Materials Division, shaping the future of its world-class research infrastructure.

You will lead the design, build, installation and commissioning of existing and planned facilities across MRF I–III, while developing long-term strategies for their maintenance, repair and expansion.

As Design Authority for new engineering within the Division, you will provide technical leadership across major investments and lead the growth and development of a high-performing engineering team.

  • Additional Responsibilities
  • Scope and deliver new engineering capability across the Materials Division, delivering the engineering content for approximately £60m of new facilities, aligned with the UK Fusion Materials Roadmap and in collaboration with teams across UKAEA and external partners.
  • Provide strategic engineering input to major business cases, defining the engineering approach, capability, resources and delivery requirements for new facilities.
  • Align Divisional engineering plans with internal and external senior stakeholders to support delivery of UKAEA’s mission and goals.
  • Develop and implement engineering policies, standards and governance, ensuring compliance with Culham site QSHERA requirements while adapting and extending these frameworks to support new site environments, including the University of Durham’s NETPARK campus.
  • Report on engineering progress, activities, risks and resource requirements to UKAEA Ex Co, key funders including NNUF, the Henry Royce Institute and EPSRC, and other senior external stakeholders.
  • Build and lead a resilient, inclusive and appropriately scaled engineering function, combining UKAEA expertise with specialist external capability where required.
  • Line manage and develop senior engineering resources across MRF I–III, fostering collaboration, innovation, accountability and high-quality delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership to strengthen engineering capability and support the Division’s ambition to become a leading UK centre for experimental research on irradiated materials.
  • Lead the completion and commissioning of engineering systems across MRF I, including plant, utilities, robotics, remote handling and control and instrumentation systems.
  • Deliver a fully operational suite of hot cells, including completion of the Hot Cell Extension and integration of the original MRF hot cells.
  • Lead the delivery of MRF II and MRF III, establishing and overseeing multidisciplinary civils, engineering and science teams.
  • Leverage engineering capability and expertise across UKAEA to maximise delivery capacity and efficiency across the Materials Division.
  • Implement effective engineering management and Systems Engineering processes, ensuring robust governance, assurance and legislative compliance.
  • Oversee relevant machine certification and engineering assurance activities in collaboration with the UKAEA Office of the Chief Engineer.
  • Salary

£94,758 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

  • View benefits
  • Programme
  • Department: Materials (MRF)
  • Discipline: Engineering
  • Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
  • Type of Employment: Full-time
  • Reference Number: REF4461Z

Qualifications

  • Degree in engineering discipline with a proven track record of delivering in research environments - preferably Chartered Engineer, skilled enough to be able to be creative in combining system engineering implementation, and to lead design activities across several engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, electronic)
  • Experience in requirements for CE/UKCA certification (preferably with machine certification qualification)
  • Experience in large team management
  • Experience in project management - Ability to estimate resource requirements and focus on delivery to an agreed timeline, clear understanding of, and adherence to, scope
  • Experience of high hazard plant in a safety management or technical management capacity
  • Ability to demonstrate strategic planning and leadership to support business goals
  • Good oral and written communication ability
  • Ability to deal with uncertainty - Flexibility in responding to unforeseen changes with a view to minimising impact on technical delivery
  • Desirable: Experience in a hot-cell facilities or nuclear engineering
  • Additional Information

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers. ukaea. uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible.

Please email talent@ukaea. uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Head of Engineering – Materials Division in Abingdon employer: Fusion Energy Base

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Culham site where innovation meets collaboration in the field of fusion technology. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, access to cutting-edge research, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that have a global impact. With a flexible/hybrid working model, a supportive culture, and a commitment to employee well-being, UKAEA stands out as a rewarding place for those passionate about advancing sustainable energy solutions.

F

Contact Details:

Fusion Energy Base Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering – Materials Division in Abingdon

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Engineering – Materials Division role you’re after at Fusion Energy Base.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Fusion Energy Base a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Fusion Energy Base.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Head of Engineering – Materials Division at Fusion Energy Base, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering – Materials Division in Abingdon

Strategic Engineering Leadership
Project Management
Team Management
Systems Engineering
Technical Leadership
Compliance with QSHERA Requirements
CE/UKCA Certification Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Engineering – Materials Division, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Fusion Energy Base a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Fusion Energy Base specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Fusion Energy Base

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Fusion Energy Base, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Fusion Energy Base want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.