Electrical Authorising Engineer in Abingdon

Tokamaks have challenging power demands, often requiring specialist distribution, power conversion, protection and earthing technology. The role will involve providing independent technical oversight of low-voltage electrical safety across the company. The successful candidate will author, develop and audit the application of the company’s Low Voltage Electrical Safety Policy, and safe systems of work, as well as advising on statutory compliance. They will also assess and approve the appointment of personnel authorised to carry out electrical work, lead electrical incident investigation, and advise the company leadership team and directors as the technical authority for matters of electrical safety. The successful candidate will also contribute to development of high-voltage safety policy and practice.

Responsibilities

• Author, develop and audit the application of the company’s Low Voltage Electrical Safety Policy.
• Provide independent assurance to the company leadership team and directors on compliance with relevant legislation, including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and adherence to BS 7671.
• Deliver technical bulletins, toolbox talks and briefings, responding to incidents or observations, and keeping procedures aligned to current guidance and industry practice.
• Present a consistent on-site presence for day-to-day oversight, inspections, and engagement with teams and contractors.
• Maintain the assessment and appointment framework for personnel authorised to carry out electrical work, and administer records of appointed personnel.
• Define training and re-assessment requirements for general staff, and electrical appointed persons.
• Lead an audit programme, encompassing application of policy, safe systems of work, documentation, test and inspection, and contractor management.
• Lead investigation into electrical incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and systemic improvements, and reporting findings and recommendations to the company leadership team and directors.
• Act as the ultimate technical authority for matters of electrical safety in the course of LV design, installation, maintenance and operation.
• Set minimum standards for signage and documentation, including schematics/schedules, test and inspection reports, and equipment manuals.
• Advise on the control of contractor activities on site, including the authorisation of contractors to carry out electrical work.
• Contribute to the development of high-voltage safety policy and practice.

Requirements

Essential skills and experience

• Degree/HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Recognised Authorising Engineer training and/or experience as an SAP(LV).
• Proven experience managing and auditing the application of low-voltage safety policy in complex industrial/scientific environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of EAWR 1989 and BS 7671, and demonstrable experience of their implementation.
• Experience of maintaining authorisation frameworks for the appointment of personnel carrying out electrical work.
• Comprehensive knowledge of applicable design standards and codes.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of HV safety management, and the development of HV safety controls and policy.
• Experience of LV and HV power system protection.
• Proficiency in use of AutoCAD or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience of earthing system design.
• Field experience of LV/HV power system commissioning, testing, and operation.
• Familiarity with specialist power systems plant specific to the fusion industry.

Personal attributes:

• Self-motivated and able to take the initiative to progress work independently.
• Authority, confidence and resilience to challenge unsafe practices and enforce policy.
• Able to manage conflicting priorities and change.
• Comfortable working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Practical aptitude and enthusiasm for working ‘hands on’ with equipment.

Salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. Discretionary 3-day festive break depending on business needs. 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. Innovation and Merit bonuses. Investment in training and development to support career progression. Opportunity to work on and contribute to world class innovation.

Company background

What if there was a limitless, safe, clean, low-cost energy source, providing much needed global energy security? What if that energy source could also help address climate change? The answer is fusion energy – the power of the stars. Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford with an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion. In addition to fusion, Tokamak Energy is recognised as a world leader in transformative High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on enabling new levels of performance and becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets, including renewable energy, medicine, science and propulsion in water, land, air and space. The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from UK Atomic Energy Authority, currently employs a growing team of over 260 people with experts from the UK and around the world. It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities. The company has more than 75 families of patent applications and has raised $335 million, comprising $275m from private investors and $60m from the UK and U.S. governments. Our U.S. subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019. Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable fusion energy for all.

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. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. 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. We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.