At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop electronics for magnetic diagnostics in a cutting-edge fusion energy environment.
- Company: Join Tokamak Energy, a leader in fusion technology and high-temperature superconducting systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, performance bonuses, share options, and health support.
- Other info: Collaborate with top scientists and engineers in a dynamic, research-driven team.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fusion energy and contribute to sustainable solutions for the future.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in electronics design and knowledge of signal processing required.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 68000 £ per year.
Tokamak Energy is a global leader in fusion energy and high temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. We work with governments and industry to develop and bring fusion and HTS solutions to market through innovation and strategic partnerships. A major part of this is our end‑to‑end capability in HTS systems, from design to manufacturing.
We are the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK Government's STEP Fusion programme, under a £70 million 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.
We operate through three divisions:
- Fusion: Fusion energy technologies, expertise and testbeds for government and private fusion programmes, including ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak.
- TE Magnetics: HTS systems for commercial applications including fusion energy, power distribution, life sciences, and propulsion.
- Ridgway Machines: Manufacturing equipment for the superconducting, electrical and wider energy sectors, enabling the rapid industrialisation of HTS products.
Why Join Tokamak Energy?
- Work on world-leading fusion technology
- Be part of a high-impact, globally significant programme
- Collaborate with leading scientists and engineers
- Gain hands‑on experience in a live experimental environment
- Contribute to the future of clean, sustainable energy
The Opportunity
Up to £68,000 (dependent on experience) per annum plus benefits. We’re looking for a Senior Instrumentation Engineer to take ownership of magnetic diagnostics for the ST40 tokamak—the world’s highest field spherical tokamak. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of fusion energy, combining hands‑on electronics engineering with real‑world experimental physics in a live tokamak environment.
You’ll play a critical role in ensuring diagnostic systems perform reliably during experimental campaigns, while contributing to the ongoing upgrade and enhancement of ST40.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Designing and developing electronics for magnetic diagnostics (including ADCs and signal processing systems)
- Maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving diagnostic and data acquisition systems
- Supporting system operation during tokamak experimental runs
- Fault‑finding and resolving issues in high‑performance experimental environments
- Designing PCB layouts using ECAD tools and coordinating manufacture
- Collaborating with suppliers to source and specify electronic components
- Supporting front‑end signal processing systems used in diagnostics
- Working closely with physicists, engineers, and control room teams
- Potentially participating in control room operations during experimental campaigns
Current Focus
Initially, you’ll support a major upgrade of the ST40 tokamak, enhancing its performance and diagnostic capabilities. Following this, you’ll play a key role in live experimental campaigns, supporting cutting‑edge fusion research.
Essential:
- Strong experience in electronics design
- Knowledge of signal processing and data acquisition systems
- Experience working in complex or large‑scale experimental environments
- PCB design experience using ECAD tools
- Experience working with suppliers and electronic components
Desirable:
- Experience with magnetic diagnostic sensors (e.g. Mirnov coils, Rogowski coils)
- Background in fusion, plasma physics, or particle accelerators
- PhD or advanced research experience
- Electrical certifications
The Team
You’ll be part of a specialist diagnostics team, collaborating with physicists, engineers, and control room staff in a highly technical and research‑driven environment.
Apply Now
If you’re looking to apply your electronics expertise in one of the most exciting and cutting‑edge fields in science and engineering, we’d love to hear from you.
Competitive salary tailored to your skills and experience (openly discussed from the outset)
25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown
Performance‑led rewards including bonus, innovation and merit schemes
Share options – a stake in our future success
Pension and comprehensive financial protection package
Health and wellbeing support, including cash plan and 24/7 assistance
Ongoing investment in your growth with training and career progression
Be part of world‑changing innovation in fusion energy.
Important information for candidates:
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 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.
Senior Instrumentation Engineer - Magnetics Diagnostics in Abingdon employer: Tokamak Energy Ltd.
At Tokamak Energy, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering employer in the fusion energy sector, offering our employees the chance to work on groundbreaking technologies that contribute to a sustainable future. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, with ample opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in a dynamic experimental environment. Located in Oxfordshire, we provide competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a comprehensive benefits package, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Instrumentation Engineer - Magnetics Diagnostics in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the fusion energy field, especially those at Tokamak Energy. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Tokamak Energy’s projects and technologies. Familiarise yourself with their work on the ST40 tokamak and think about how your skills in electronics design and signal processing can contribute. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely excited about their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that dream job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application more efficiently!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Instrumentation Engineer - Magnetics Diagnostics in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in electronics design and signal processing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Instrumentation Engineer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about fusion energy and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working at Tokamak Energy.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, highlight specific examples where you've tackled complex issues in experimental environments. We love seeing how you approach challenges, especially in high-performance settings like tokamaks!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our innovative team at Tokamak Energy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tokamak Energy Ltd.
✨Know Your Electronics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your electronics design knowledge, especially around ADCs and signal processing systems. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the magnetic diagnostics you'll be working on at Tokamak Energy.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the ST40 Tokamak
Do some research on the ST40 tokamak and its current upgrades. Understanding its operational environment will help you answer questions about how you can contribute to enhancing its diagnostic capabilities during experimental campaigns.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex issues in high-performance experimental environments. Highlight your fault-finding experience and how you’ve improved data acquisition systems in previous roles.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since you'll be working closely with physicists and engineers, think about how you can demonstrate your teamwork skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past and how you plan to communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
