Magnets Engineering Manager

Company Description

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. 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. The closing date to apply for this position is the 29th June 2026. This UKFE vacancy can be based at either of our sites: West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire.

Job Description

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. The UK is currently a world leader in fusion research and development and in the drive to realise commercially viable energy from fusion, a sector with an estimated value of £tns per year.

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 & cooling, commercial, prototype & test and project management) and external organisations

Champion cross-functional working. Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organizational goals. Pursue best-for-programme solutions and lead cross-functional teams to implement them. Work with Project Managers to manage budget and milestones.

Accountability 5: Effectively develop the magnets team and support the technical and professional development of staff

Develop strategy for magnet staff recruitment, retention, training & development. Work with the UKFE Prototype & Test team to build corporate competence and practical experience in technical disciplines related to magnet design, manufacture and operations. Foster a culture of both world-class innovation and practical delivery.

Accountability 6: Develop magnets supply chain

Engage with global technical and manufacturing experts in industry and research institutes to develop technical solutions and promote the build-up of manufacturing capacity. With a focus on UK economic and social value, work with the commercial team to maximise the value added by supply chain bodies in the UK for the STEP programme and beyond. Ensure effective technical and quality management of contracts and collaborations.

Accountability 7: Embody a Leadership Mindset

Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values. Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork. Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated significant leadership experience in the development and / or delivery of superconducting magnets.
• Degree or equivalent professional recognition in relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Chartered engineer or equivalent status with a relevant professional body (or commensurate experience).
• Expert and broad knowledge of magnet technology.
• Substantial experience in the engineering of complex systems.
• Effective team worker with a practical approach to problem solving and excellent communications.
• Proven ability to inspire and motivate.
• Demonstrated experience setting strategic direction and revising priorities in a rapidly evolving context coordinating interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists.

Desirable Experience:

• Expertise in any of the following areas: high temperature superconductors, quench detection and protection, superconducting cable design and development, manufacturing, commissioning & operation, tokamak engineering.
• Experience working with emerging technologies.
• Experience working on major engineering programmes e.g. big science.

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, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (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. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

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 UKIFS.

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.