Senior Systems Engineer in Retford

STEP Fusion 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.

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 £58,320 plus excellent benefits including outstanding pension. This role includes a non‑contractual and non‑pensionable specialist allowance of £6,500 in addition to the salary specified. The closing date to apply for this position is the 23rd June 2026. This UKFE vacancy will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join our growing STEP programme and play a pivotal role in delivering complex, high‑impact engineering outcomes. In this role, you will take full ownership of systems engineering delivery at work‑package level, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership capability. You will operate across a broad systems engineering scope – from eliciting and analysing stakeholder needs and defining whole‑plant requirements, to integrating transversal design requirements and shaping systems engineering policy and processes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Delivery Leadership
  • Own and lead the end-to-end delivery of systems engineering work packages, including resource allocation and budget accountability.
  • Ensure delivery of assured products and services aligned to scope, quality, schedule, and cost.
  • Plan, track, and manage delivery, resolving technical and programme issues proactively.
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, partners, and suppliers to drive successful outcomes.
• Technical Authority
  • Act as the Systems Engineering technical authority for your work packages.
  • Provide clear technical direction and resolve complex decisions and trade‑offs.
  • Ensure consistent application of systems engineering principles, standards, and lifecycle practices.
• Integration & Risk Management
  • Coordinate and integrate concurrent workstreams, contributors, and interfaces.
  • Identify and manage technical assumptions, dependencies, and risks, ensuring delivery confidence.
  • Maintain alignment and technical integrity across all activities.
• Leadership & Development
  • Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to engineers.
  • Champion best practice in systems engineering and drive continuous improvement in tools, processes, and ways of working.
  • Engage stakeholders effectively to communicate progress and manage expectations.
• Culture & Leadership Mindset
  • Embody a strong leadership mindset, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
  • Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performing team environment.
  • Act as a cultural ambassador, aligning to organisational values and the Seven Principles of Public Life.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience delivering complex systems engineering programmes or work packages.
• Strong technical background across the systems engineering lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and manage delivery challenges.
• Experience balancing technical authority with collaborative leadership.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Passion for mentoring others and improving engineering excellence.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a cutting‑edge programme shaping the future of engineering.
• Work on complex, meaningful challenges with real‑world impact.
• Collaborate with leading experts across industry and academia.
• Opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and innovation.

Qualifications

Essential

• A relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject.
• Professional registration as Chartered Engineer with recognised engineering institution (e.g. IfSE, IET, IMechE etc.).
• Extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering and the ability to apply it pragmatically.
• Experience of managing the delivery of systems engineering scope through teams.
• Evidence of operating as a technical authority for systems engineering deliverables.
• Experience of coaching and mentoring junior team members.
• Exemplary communicator with strong evidence of the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.

Beneficial

• Member of Institute for Systems Engineering (MIfSE).
• Systems Engineering Professional accreditation (ASEP/CSEP) with the International Council of Systems Engineering.
• Experience in using Dassault Systemes 3DS tools, specifically Catia Magic (Cameo Systems Modeler) and 3DExperience.

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

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKFE.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.