Plasma Control Team Lead

Working arrangements: This role offers hybrid working, with a minimum 60% onsite and 40% home working split.

Overview: As Tokamak Energy continues to evolve, the way we work and structure our business needs to align with our strategy and business priorities. Following our exciting $52 million upgrade programme for our ST40 spherical tokamak in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, we have an exciting new opportunity to lead plasma control and a dedicated team set within the Diagnostics, Data and Control Department.

The Plasma Control Team plays a critical role in delivering key programmes and projects of strategic importance to Tokamak Energy. Led by the Team Lead, the team is responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of the Plasma Control System and related tools for Tokamak Energy's flagship tokamak, ST40. In addition, the team is tasked with developing advanced plasma control solutions for both current and future fusion devices. Reporting to the Diagnostics, Data and Control Department Head, your responsibilities will encompass technical leadership for plasma control and plasma operations, in addition to the safety, well-being, growth, and performance of your team.

In this role, you will:

• As a subject matter expert, provide technical leadership and expertise in tokamak plasma control systems to support existing programmes, including ST40 and the Fusion Pilot Plant programme, in addition to identifying and securing new opportunities.
• Use existing networks to develop and leverage external relationships, creating impactful opportunities in plasma control and related fields.
• Define and execute the technical strategy aligned to plasma control, to include the long-term development of plasma control systems, related diagnostics, and modelling tools, in collaboration across internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop a plasma control ecosystem, to innovate beyond Tokamak Energy's current capabilities and areas of influence to create commercially relevant opportunities.
• Lead the delivery of high-quality software across the Plasma Control team's various current and future projects.
• Be responsible for the safety, well-being, growth, and performance of all Plasma Control team members.
• Effectively manage resource allocation according to agreed priorities to support project requirements.
• Be responsible for the development of team skills, capabilities, and tools to support the business strategy.
• Be an escalation point and support for people and team on work-related issues.
• Have the responsibility of environment, health and safety leadership for the team and area owner for owned labs.

Requirements and attributes we value:

• Proven expertise in tokamak plasma control systems, or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience in designing, installing, commissioning, and operating scientific software within a tokamak environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong networks within the plasma control, tokamak, and fusion research sectors.
• Proven ability to influence key decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Proven track record in successfully delivering complex projects.
• Demonstrable experience in applying software development best practices.
• Outstanding problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to effectively manage a multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and motivate a team.
• Delivery focused with the ability to understand the needs of the customer.
• Qualified to at least degree level or equivalent within a relevant technical discipline.
• Fluency in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience in developing and operating real-time systems.
• Understanding of tokamaks and plasma control.
• Track record of scientific publications.
• Commercially savvy (IP, commercial drivers, competitor intelligence, etc.).

Benefits:

• Salary dependent on skills and experience.
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Eligible for discretionary performance-related bonus.
• Share options scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• Financial benefits including group life insurance, critical illness, health cash plan and discount scheme.
• Investment in training and development to support career progression.
• Opportunity to work on and contribute to world-class innovation.

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties: This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening:

• Work in hot or cold environments.
• Driving on Company business.
• Work with cryogenic fluids including liquid nitrogen.
• Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields.
• Working with materials that are managed under the control of substances hazardous to health regulations (COSHH).
• Operating heavy equipment including forklifts / overhead gantry cranes.
• Travel outside of Europe or North America on company business.

About Us: Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford, UK. We have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion energy. Founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK's Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, we currently employ a growing team of over 250 people. The company has raised $250 million, comprising $200m from private investors and $50m from the UK and US governments. Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team who are striving to provide a solution to one of humanity's greatest challenges: clean and sustainable energy for all.

Important information: Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation. If you do not meet all the listed criteria for this position, we would still welcome your application. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.