Applied Superconductivity Team Leader in Abingdon

TE Magnetics is the high temperature superconducing (HTS) technology division of Tokamak Energy. Born from our mission to deliver fusion energy, we have developed world‑leading HTS technology, protected by more than 250 patents and supported by exceptional scientific, engineering, and commercial expertise. HTS is a transformative technology for a wide range of industries, enabling magnet and power distribution systems that are more powerful, lighter, compact, and highly efficient—transforming industries, creating new opportunities, and accelerating innovation.

TE Magnetics, which is already generating multi‑million‑pound revenues, is developing robust, high‑quality HTS solutions across fast‑growing markets including fusion, power systems, analytical science, propulsion, and defence. We are the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK Government's STEP Fusion programme, under a £70million contract running to 2029, working with UK Fusion Energy to deliver HTS magnet systems for the STEP prototype power plant, while also contributing to tokamak systems and plasma integration.

Founded in 2009 as a spin‑out from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Tokamak Energy is headquartered in Oxfordshire, with subsidiaries in the United States and Japan. Today, we employ over 300 people and have secured more than £280 million in investment.

The Role

We’re looking for a hands‑on Applied Superconductivity Team Leader to guide a highly specialised team of engineers and scientists working on cutting‑edge HTS technologies. This is not a purely managerial role — you will split your time between:

• Leading and developing a team (approximately 30%)
• Directly participating in a range of HTS technology development projects (approximately 70%)

You will play a key role in shaping how superconducting technologies are developed, tested and scaled, helping to move innovation into real‑world application.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the development, testing and analysis of superconducting components including HTS tape, cables, joints, coils and magnet systems
• Contribute directly to HTS technology development projects, applying your expertise to complex technical challenges
• Analyse experimental data and translate findings into actionable improvements
• Support the link between testing, design and manufacturing teams

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of superconductivity specialists
• Allocate work across projects, balancing priorities and capabilities
• Build scalable tools, testing methodologies and data analysis approaches
• Drive consistent, repeatable ways of working as the team grows

• Drive innovation and support intellectual property generation
• Contribute to safety case development and lab‑based risk assessments
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Support the commercialisation of HTS technology

• Strong background in applied superconductivity
• Hands‑on experience working with:
• Superconducting materials and systems
• Magnet or coil design, testing or development
• Experimental setups and data analysis
• Practical understanding of cryogenic systems
• Experience working on complex engineering or R&D projects
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse technical team
• Strong written and verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Commercial awareness and sound engineering judgement
• Collaborative, problem‑solving mindset

• We welcome candidates from industries such as:
• Fusion or advanced energy
• Medical imaging / MRI
• Aerospace or defence
• Scientific instrumentation or particle accelerators
• Academic applicants are also welcome
• You may currently be a senior engineer or scientist looking to take your first step into team leadership.

Salary range £75,000 - £85,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset. Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split. Part time working or job share options will be reviewed on an individual basis.

25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and discretionary 3 festive days to be used between Christmas and the New Year)

Company pension scheme

Eligible for company share option scheme

Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance

A range of financial benefits including death in service and critical illness cover

Cycle to work scheme

Important information for candidates

No terminology in the advert or job description is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Pre‑employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre‑employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right‑to‑work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation.

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration.