At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead maintenance strategy for a groundbreaking fusion energy prototype plant.
- Company: Join UK Fusion Energy, a pioneer in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture promoting diversity and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a revolutionary project that combats climate change and shapes the future of energy.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree and experience managing complex technology systems required.
The predicted salary is between 73190 - 73190 £ per year.
Company Description
The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid‑century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKFE and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground‑breaking journey.
Benefits & Compensation
As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from:
- Outstanding defined‑benefit pension scheme
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Flexible working options including family‑friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment
- 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 being fully inclusive
The salary for this role is £73,190, with a non‑contractual and non‑pensionable specialist allowance of £7,900. This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.
Job Description
In a fusion power plant, maintainability isn’t just important — it’s fundamental. The ability to inspect, repair and replace components in a high‑radiation environment will shape the plant’s architecture, availability and ultimately the cost of electricity it produces.
What you’ll be doing
Accountability 1: Shape the Maintenance Architecture & Strategy
- Define and lead the maintenance architecture for the STEP Prototype Plant
- Own the maintenance requirements, strategy and assurance approach to demonstrate safe, efficient and timely maintenance
- Build a clear, plant‑wide maintenance model that supports high availability and commercial performance
- Develop a first‑of‑a‑kind maintenance approach for both the spherical tokamak and balance of plant
- Establish the maintainability case, ensuring targets for availability, outage duration and lifecycle performance are achievable
- Embed design‑for‑maintenance principles (access, modularisation, remote handling) into the evolving plant design
- Communicate maintenance strategy, risks and trade‑offs clearly to stakeholders and leadership
Accountability 2: Champion Design for Maintainability
- Lead a cross‑programme approach to embedding maintainability into plant and system design
- Work closely with engineering, tokamak and plant teams to shape design decisions early
- Ensure maintenance considerations influence layout, segmentation, component design and operating concepts
- Promote a strong, shared mindset of design‑for‑maintenance across teams and partners
Accountability 3: Drive Maintenance Innovation & Technology Development
- Identify and manage risks linked to first‑of‑a‑kind maintenance challenges
- Define and deliver a roadmap for maintenance technologies, including remote handling, tooling and processes
- Shape and prioritise R&D programmes with partners to mature key capabilities
- Bring in global best practice from nuclear and remote maintenance environments
- Drive innovation to solve the unique challenges of maintaining a spherical tokamak in high‑radiation conditions
- Maximise opportunities for UK capability, growth and value creation
Accountability 4: Lead and Grow the Maintenance Capability
- Provide clear technical leadership to the STEP Maintenance team
- Plan and deliver integrated work packages that enable maintainable plant design
- Coordinate resources across internal teams and partner organisations
- Track progress and ensure high‑quality, robust technical outputs
- Develop and mentor engineers, building a strong and future‑ready maintenance capability
Accountability 5: Lead with Purpose and Inclusivity
- Bring a leadership mindset to everything you do — regardless of role or title
- Create a positive, inclusive and collaborative team environment where people can thrive
- Enable partners and suppliers to deliver maintenance solutions through clear guidance and support
- Help build a strong UK fusion supply chain, growing capability, confidence and innovation
- Engage with industry and academia to share knowledge and bring best practice into fusion
- Foster a respectful, supportive culture that values diverse perspectives
- Act as an ambassador for our values, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and ethical behaviour
- Make thoughtful, well‑informed decisions that balance technical excellence with wider impact
Qualifications
Essential:
- A relevant engineering degree or equivalent
- Proven track record managing engineering teams developing complex high‑technology systems
- Systems thinking mindset – requirements capture, interface management and trade‑off decision‑making
- Proven capability in engineering analysis
- Proven record of delivering complex projects to time and budget
- Proven record of managing diverse stakeholders (both technical and programme)
- Experience with working to design standards, leading teams and supervising other staff
- Chartered Engineer status with a suitable professional institution
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement across technical and non‑technical teams
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Beneficial:
- Awareness of the design constraints imposed by nuclear environments, particularly fusion
- Experience with radiological safety cases
- Experience with relevant environmental factors such as high gamma radiation and remote handling
- A good working knowledge of remote handling and the maintenance of large complex plant
- Project and supplier management skills, including contract oversight and quality assurance
We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our EDI Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. UKFE is committed to being accessible. If you need help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example changes to the way we interview or share information, please email [emailprotected]. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed in the UK government guidance for criminal records checks, we cannot process your application. This role requires employees to complete an online BPSS assessment including DBS checks for criminal convictions. A possibility of an SC clearance may be required in the future; existing clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.
Maintenance Manager in Retford employer: Fusion Energy Base
UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd offers an exceptional work environment for Maintenance Managers, combining a commitment to groundbreaking fusion energy technology with a vibrant and inclusive culture. Employees benefit from a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive career development opportunities, all while contributing to a project that aims to revolutionise energy production and combat climate change. Located in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, UKFE fosters a collaborative atmosphere where innovation thrives, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Manager in Retford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fusion energy sector, especially those connected to UKFE. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and achievements relevant to maintenance management. This can really set you apart during interviews and give you a chance to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Maintenance Manager role at UKFE.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the UKFE team and the exciting journey towards fusion energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Manager in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Maintenance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around maintenance architecture and strategy.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage engineering teams and deliver complex projects. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work.
Communicate Clearly:Use clear and concise language in your application. Remember, you’ll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so let that shine through in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fusion Energy Base
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of fusion energy and the specific challenges related to maintenance in high-radiation environments. Brush up on your engineering principles, especially those relevant to complex systems and design for maintainability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Maintenance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead diverse teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed engineering teams and delivered complex projects on time and within budget. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key, especially when discussing maintenance strategies with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to explain complex concepts in an accessible way.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Collaboration
UKFE values a positive and inclusive culture. Be prepared to discuss how you've fostered collaboration in previous roles and how you plan to create an environment where all team members feel valued and can thrive. Share your thoughts on engaging with industry and academia to drive innovation.
