At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver advanced mechanical systems for fusion energy technologies.
- Company: Join Tokamak Energy, a leader in fusion energy innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, health support, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that shape the future of energy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in high-performance engineering systems.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team working on advanced technology systems including high temperature superconducting magnets, cryogenic refrigeration, vacuum technology and pressure systems.
Salary guide - £50,000 to £65,000 dependent on skills and experience, plus benefits.
The opportunity
You’ll be working as part of a multidisciplinary team designing and delivering complex mechanical systems and assemblies that operate in demanding conditions, including:
- High magnetic field environments
- Cryogenic temperatures
- Vacuum technology
- High-energy and high-current applications
- High precision temperature diagnostic instruments
- Ionising radiation
- Pressure systems
Your responsibilities will include:
- Creating 3D CAD models and engineering drawings
- Performing engineering analysis (FEA, calculations, simulations)
- Designing components for performance, manufacturability, and safety
- Collaborating with other engineers, physicists, and suppliers
- Supporting testing, validation, and system integration
- Producing clear technical documentation
Who this role is for
This role is best suited to engineers who have already worked in highly technical, physics-driven or extreme operating environments, where understanding system behaviour is critical from day one.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in industries such as:
- Superconducting magnet systems or high-field applications
- Cryogenic engineering (low-temperature systems, cryostats, thermal management)
- Vacuum systems and pressure-controlled environments
- Scientific research or instrumentation (particle accelerators, experimental physics equipment, advanced labs)
- Aerospace and space systems (high-reliability, extreme environments)
- Advanced energy systems, including: Nuclear fission or fusion energy, high-power electrical systems, turbomachinery or rotating equipment, electromagnetic or high-current systems where structural and thermal effects are critical
These environments develop engineers who understand challenges such as thermal contraction, electromagnetic loading, vacuum compatibility, and safety-critical design, which are essential in this role.
Essential
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering
- Strong CAD and mechanical design experience
- Background in complex, high-performance engineering systems as per the above description
- Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
Strongly preferred
- Direct experience in one or more of the industries listed above
- Understanding of:
- Electromagnetic forces and their mechanical impact
- Cryogenic materials and thermal behaviour
- Vacuum design principles
- Experience with safety-critical or highly regulated systems
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.
Mechanical Design Engineer 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Design Engineer in Abingdon
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Tokamak Energy Ltd..
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Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Design Engineer in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Tokamak Energy Ltd. and the Mechanical Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tokamak Energy Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Tokamak Energy Ltd..
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Tokamak Energy Ltd..
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Tokamak Energy Ltd., making you a more appealing candidate.
