High Power RF Engineer in Abingdon

Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split.

We’re recruiting a new team member for our Plasma Heating & Current Drive (H&CD) team. We’re open to both graduate and experienced candidates, and to backgrounds spanning high-power RF and particle-beam/accelerator systems.

You will be a strong team player, working with fellow engineers and physicists on system integration and hands-on delivery of our RF heating plant (80-170Ghz), particularly gyrotrons and RF transmission line. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to our Neutral Beam Injectors (NBI) and related beamline subsystems.

Our focus is the modelling, development, commissioning, operation and upgrade of cutting-edge plasma heating systems, targeting multi-MW capability for future fusion devices. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in a world leading development of fusion energy.

Responsibilities

• Gyrotron / Transmission line integration
• Deliver system integration activities for RF plant: physical installation, interfaces, alignment, assembly, and test.
• Lead or support waveguide installation & commissioning (including conditioning, leak checks, inspections, acceptance tests and performance verification).
• Troubleshoot, repair and maintain high-power microwave components and subsystems (e.g., waveguide, quasi-optics, vacuum windows, mode converters, launchers, arc/flashover protection, cooling).
• Support commissioning and operational readiness: procedures, checklists, interlocks proving, fault response, spares strategy, and preventive maintenance.
• Work with Controls, Vacuum, Electrical, Design and other operational teams to optimise performance and respond to experimental needs.
• Contribute to NBI and beamline activities: installation support, commissioning, fault finding, and interface management.

Engineering quality & supplier interface

• Produce and maintain engineering documentation (requirements, test plans, risk assessments, method statements, operating procedures, maintenance plans).
• Prepare specifications and scopes of work for equipment procurement and installation contracts.
• Liaise with manufacturers, contractors and collaborators throughout the hardware lifecycle.

Safety

• Maintain safe systems of work for your equipment and activities, contributing to strong operational discipline and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• We’re looking for practical, curious engineers/physicists who enjoy real hardware and interdisciplinary integration, who can demonstrate capability in a combination of:
• Commissioning / installation / operation / maintenance of complex technical systems.
• Comfort in multi-discipline interfaces (mechanical installation, vacuum, cooling, controls, HV/LV, safety).
• Strong documentation habits and clear communication – able to work effectively with technicians, engineers, physicists, suppliers and operations teams.
• A safety-first mindset: ability to follow and improve safe systems of work.
• Degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering, engineering physics, applied physics, or a related discipline.

High value will be placed on:

• Good knowledge of high-power RF technology: RF power sources, transmission lines, launching antennas, ancillary subsystems, RF related hazards and protection.
• Practical experience in operation and maintenance of high-power (above 100 kW) RF equipment: commissioning, troubleshooting, control and interlocks.
• Particle beam / accelerator systems (ion sources, HV/LV pulsed power, beam transport, diagnostics, vacuum beamlines).
• Familiarity with relevant design software and engineering tools.

Role level and salary will be dependent on skills and experience; we will consider a graduate or a more experienced hire for the right candidate. 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.

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

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.

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.

Entry into employment with the 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.