At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex systems engineering projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join UK Fusion Energy, a pioneer in sustainable fusion energy development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture promoting diversity and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering with real-world impact and career growth.
- Qualifications: Proven systems engineering experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58320 - 64820 £ per year.
Site Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire
Department: UKFE - Design Authority
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 £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.
Note: 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.
Job Description
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Additional Information
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. For applicants requiring help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, please email talent@ukifs.uk.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. The possibility of SC Clearance in the future exists; if a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKFE.
Senior Systems Engineer in Retford employer: Step
At UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions equality and diversity. Our employees enjoy a generous benefits package, including a defined benefit pension scheme, flexible working options, and ample opportunities for career development within the cutting-edge field of fusion energy. Join us in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, where you can make a meaningful impact while collaborating with leading experts and contributing to the future of sustainable energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Systems Engineer in Retford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges, especially around fusion energy. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to tackle real-world scenarios during interviews. Brush up on systems engineering principles and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at UKFE and contributing to the future of sustainable energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Engineer in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Systems Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to our STEP programme!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about fusion energy and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading teams and projects, make sure to highlight your leadership experiences. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven successful outcomes in previous roles. We’re all about collaboration here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Step
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering principles and lifecycle practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in complex environments. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage delivery challenges while maintaining a collaborative environment. This is crucial for a Senior Systems Engineer role, so be ready to showcase your leadership mindset.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that test your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about potential trade-offs and how you would resolve complex decisions. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Mentoring
Since mentoring is a key part of this role, come prepared with examples of how you've coached or supported junior engineers. Discuss your approach to fostering an inclusive and high-performing team environment, as this aligns with the company's values.
