Development Engineer in Abingdon

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.

Overview of the role

TEM is a new structure within Tokamak Energy. We want to usher in the HTS era. As a Controls/Mechatronic Development Engineer you will develop, implement and improve our manufacturing machines and processes within TEM with a focus on safety, quality and repeatability. It will involve working closely with the production, technical, design, safety and quality teams with a focus on achieving a robust, reliable, automated, and scalable manufacturing model.

In this role, you will:

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC-based control systems for HTS coil manufacturing and assembly processes in line with industrial standards.
• Support the design and development of automation solutions for HTS coil manufacturing, from early concepts through to implementation.
• Assess, improve, and adapt existing manufacturing processes to support both custom builds and scalable production.
• Commission, support, and maintain manufacturing machinery, including hands-on involvement during installation, upgrades, and process changes.
• Integrate PLCs with external devices, sensors, HMIs, and data systems, ensuring reliable and safe operation.
• Assist in the development of bespoke control solutions, fixtures, and test rigs to support manufacturing and validation activities.
• Use appropriate programming or scripting tools to support control systems, data handling, testing, and machinery development where required.
• Diagnose and resolve control, electrical, and automation-related faults, carrying out root-cause analysis to improve equipment reliability.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and production teams to ensure control solutions are practical, robust, and manufacturable.
• Provide training, mentoring, and technical support to members of the manufacturing team as well as to TE technicians and contractors.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, including process optimisation, workflow development, documentation, and system standardisation.
• Ensure work complies with relevant safety, quality, and engineering standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or similar. Or appropriate experience and proven track record of automation/control development.
• Practical experience developing, modifying, and supporting PLC-controlled machinery within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Practical experience with automation and robotics desirable.
• An awareness of machinery safety, interlocking, and safe control system design, with experience working to relevant industrial standards.
• Experience of working with superconducting materials and coil winding tooling is desirable.
• Great communication skills (both oral and written) with the ability to report project status, issues and plans concisely and effectively in different forums.
• Practical experience with CAD and Electrical design desirable.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to deal with ambiguity.
• Proactive, energetic and delivery focused, with good problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Salary range up to £60,000 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.