Plasma Control & Sensor System Manager

Salary: £73,190 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

Division: Plasma Science and Fusion Operations

Site Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire

Department: Plasma Science and Fusion Operations Lead Team

Company Description: The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) 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 UKIFS, 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.

As an employee of UKIFS, 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.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

The Role: Reporting to the Head of Plasma Development (HoPD) you will lead research and development needed to achieve robust control of the STEP plasma solution. In your area you will be responsible for a team of 15 – 25 full term equivalents in a matrixed organisation. Providing world‑class expertise in the area of plasma control and associated sensor systems, you will develop the systems required for controllable plasma scenarios with acceptable disruption handling for the STEP Prototype and subsequent Commercial Reactor designs.

In this role, you would be expected to:

• Engage with the wider UK plasma science programme of UKAEA, universities and international collaborators to identify innovative solutions for the STEP plasma control and sensor systems.
• Partner with industry where there is complementary capability.
• Engage with the Design Authority and Engineering Delivery teams to ensure compatibility with overall concept design, operational and maintenance strategy.
• Identify areas of synergy with the ITER, EU DEMO and other fusion power plant programmes.
• Identify opportunities to prototype and test aspects of the plasma control system.

Accountabilities will include:

• Provide the leadership to establish a world‑class team of control experts.
• Work at the forefront of plasma control research to develop the control schemas required for robust and safe plasma operation of STEP.
• Inform the requirements for actuators, identifying design solutions when they are additional to the planned plant design.
• Enhance your team’s capabilities by working with universities, fusion laboratories and industry to develop innovative plasma control solutions.
• Drive the plasma sensor system development to enable a robust and safe plasma operation on STEP.

Qualifications: What skills and experience you’ll bring to us:

• PhD level background in relevant scientific/engineering discipline.
• Established, world‑class expertise in plasma control and/or plasma sensor systems.
• A broad understanding of tokamak plasma physics, tokamak operations.
• International reputation including high quality research outputs in the field of expertise.
• A strong proven track record of delivering complex, high technology projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Strategic and innovative thinker.
• Excellent team‑building and collaboration skills.

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.