Magnets Engineering Manager

UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) 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 the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKFE 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. 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.
• 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.

The salary for this role is competitive with excellent benefits including outstanding pension. This UKFE vacancy can be based at either of our sites West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire.

Fusion energy offers the potential for significant quantities of low-carbon, inherently safe, abundantly fuelled baseload energy, supporting sustainable climate action and energy independence. While the technical challenge remains high, confidence is increasing, and the rewards of realising fusion are almost incalculable. Anticipated to come online for commercial purposes in the middle of this century, fusion offers a viable means to sustainable net zero in the UK and globally, as well as to increased energy security.

STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK’s flagship national programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to the commercial viability of fusion. STEP is deliberately bold and ambitious and seeks people who want to be part of a world-changing endeavour and who have credible and relevant experience in delivery.

The magnets confining the plasma form the heart of the tokamak device. They are one of the biggest engineering challenges and their design is intimately linked with the plasma performance, overall plant size and maintenance strategy. STEP plans to exploit jointed REBCO magnets to provide the confining field required while allowing access to maintain the machine. This will require some of the biggest HTS magnets yet.

While the STEP programme targets 2040 for the operation of the STEP prototype power plant at the West Burton site, during 2025-2029 (the presently funded “tranche 2a”) the magnet team must mature the design and burn down the biggest technical risks through a step‑by‑step approach to technology demonstration including model coils. UKIFS must act as overall integrator and design authority while working to develop the supply chain for the fusion power plants of the future – including magnets.

Reporting to the Head of Tokamak Machine, the Magnets Engineering Manager will lead an integrated team including both UKFE / UKAEA staff and the efforts of various specialist external organisations in order to deliver both the necessary design and the necessary confidence in it. The role will develop as the programme approaches construction and external contracts are placed. The successful candidate will champion cross‑functional working with a focus on the best outcomes for the overall programme. They will thrive in a continually changing environment as both the STEP tokamak and the organisation needed to deliver it evolve at pace.

Accountability 1: Act as Technical Authority for STEP magnets. As delegated by the STEP Design Authority, the Magnets Engineering Manager shall be responsible for overall adequacy of magnet design and development: performance, integrity and technical delivery.

Accountability 2: Drive forward magnet design work (including remountable joints) in harmony with the overall plant design. Prioritise design efforts to allow convergence of overall plant design. Guide team to achieve the target design definition levels and confidence levels required by the programme. Manage interfaces with wider STEP power plant systems. Ensure Intellectual Property generated by the programme is managed in accordance with UKIFS policy.

Accountability 3: Effectively prioritise technical risks and deliver mitigating actions (including the related technology demonstration programme). Drive technology demonstration to eliminate major obstacles and increase confidence in the fulfilment of magnet requirements. Continually review priorities and deploy resources accordingly.

Accountability 4: Interact with other technical and functional areas (e.g. plasma, power).