At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop real-time C++ software for monitoring and controlling complex engineering systems.
- Company: Join Tokamak Energy, a leader in fusion energy and high temperature superconducting technologies.
- Benefits: Up to £75,000 salary, 25 days holiday, performance bonuses, and share options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking innovation in fusion energy and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong C++ experience, familiarity with Linux, and hardware interfacing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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 £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. 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.
Overview of the role:
This role focuses on developing real‑time software that interfaces directly with hardware to control and monitor complex engineering systems. You will build C++ applications running on embedded and Linux‑based platforms, handling data acquisition, control, and system integration. This is a key hire in a small but growing software team, offering strong ownership and impact on core systems.
In this role, you will:
- Develop C++ software for real‑time data acquisition and system control
- Interface directly with hardware using communication protocols such as USB, TCP/IP, SPI, I2C and serial
- Build tools and interfaces for system monitoring and control
- Develop backend tooling for data storage, processing, and retrieval
- Take ownership of core control software within the team
- Collaborate with electronics engineers and other technical teams
Essential:
- Strong C++ development experience
- Experience building asynchronous or real‑time systems
- Comfortable working in a Linux environment
- Experience interfacing with hardware and communication protocols
- Familiarity with version control and build systems such as Git and CMake
Desirable:
- Embedded Linux or ARM‑based systems
- Asynchronous I/O frameworks such as Boost.Asio
- Real‑time systems or networking
- Messaging protocols such as MQTT
- Experience working with hardware such as FPGAs or microcontrollers
Salary range up to £75,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset.
25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown.
Performance‑led rewards including discretionary bonus, innovation and merit schemes.
Share options – a stake in our future success.
Pension and comprehensive financial protection package including death in service and critical illness cover.
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.
Senior Software Engineer (C++ / Data Acquisition & Control) in Abingdon employer: Tokamak Energy Ltd.
At Tokamak Energy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the cutting-edge field of fusion energy. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and performance-led rewards, including share options and a comprehensive benefits package. Located in Oxfordshire, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the future of energy, while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
