At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge research in high-performance computing for fusion energy applications.
- Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in clean energy innovation and fusion technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave.
- 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 collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in computational science or related field; experience in programming and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 41786 - 51072 £ per year.
Overview of Responsibilities
About us Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
About the job The Computational Materials and Engineering (CME) Unit within UKAEA’s Computing Division delivers research, development and technical support across high-performance computing, engineering and scientific computing, AI, machine learning and advanced simulation technologies for the fusion programme. In this role, you will lead the development and maintenance of software capabilities supporting computational nuclear and multiphysics applications, while driving research, collaboration, funding and adoption of emerging technologies. You will provide technical and strategic leadership, manage projects and resources, represent UKAEA nationally and internationally, and help shape future research directions while developing expertise and collaborations across the Authority.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead research and development activities, driving novel numerical techniques, advanced simulation and modelling approaches, and the development of world-leading codes for fusion applications and beyond.
- Lead and develop research teams, managing small to medium-sized teams of 4–10 people across multiple concurrent projects, while building expertise and capability around your research area.
- Drive research, funding and collaboration opportunities, establishing new partnerships with industry, academia and across UKAEA, and actively identifying opportunities for future research and funding.
- Collaborate and represent UKAEA nationally and internationally, contributing to expert and working groups and working with partners to develop and evolve codes for peta- and exa-scale computing systems.
- Share expertise and research outputs, contributing to peer-reviewed publications, supporting other UKAEA units where required, and planning and leading simulation and modelling activities across relevant UKAEA programmes.
What You’ll Bring
- At least a doctorate degree in a computational, mathematical or physical science discipline or a leadership role in either a commercial or research environment in one of these fields.
- An international reputation in your field gained in either a research or commercial environment.
- Demonstrable experience of at least one compiled level language (e.g. C++, Fortran, C, Rust) and advanced scripting language (e.g. Julia, Python), preferably in a UNIX environment.
- Experience of agile project and budget management in a team leadership role.
Specific Experience
- Solid foundation in mathematics, especially numerical analysis, demonstrated by either a publication record or contribution to a relevant software library.
- Significant and demonstrable experience in parallel programming techniques (e.g. MPI, OpenMP and accelerator hardware such as GPUs).
- Experience leading a distributed team in both mentoring and managing roles.
- Experience of the development and implementation of testing strategies (verification and validation) and an ability to assess new algorithms which could be applicable to fusion based codes.
- Significant experience in at least CFD and ideally more relevant nuclear and multiphysics fields (e.g. FV, FD, FE, MHD, Monte Carlo, and associated workflow).
- A good background in Uncertainty Quantification and actionable data.
UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role. The role is currently advertised at Culham, but other UKAEA locations may also be considered.
Benefits
- A salary of £71,815 (inclusive of a £7,700 specialist allowance).
- Up to 7% corporate performance bonus.
- Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution.
- 25 days annual leave plus 2.5 privilege days; 8 Bank Holidays.
- 3 days of site closure over Christmas break.
- Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions.
Our commitment to ED&I 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, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All appointments are made on merit.
Principal HPC Computational Engineer in Abingdon employer: Fusion Energy Base
At Fusion Energy Base, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that will shape the future of energy in the UK. Located at the forefront of fusion technology, we provide a competitive salary package and a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field of advanced materials and manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal HPC Computational Engineer 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 Principal HPC Computational Engineer 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 Principal HPC Computational Engineer 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 Principal HPC Computational Engineer in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Principal HPC Computational Engineer, 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.
