At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop electronics for magnetic diagnostics in a cutting-edge fusion energy environment.
- Company: Join Tokamak Energy, a leader in fusion energy and HTS technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, performance rewards, and share options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of world-changing innovation and collaborate with top scientists and engineers.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in electronics design and knowledge of signal processing required.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 68000 £ 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 £70 million 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, lifesciences, and propulsion.
- Ridgway Machines: Manufacturing equipment for the superconducting, electrical and wider energy sectors, enabling the rapid industrialisation of HTS products.
Why Join Tokamak Energy?
- Work on world-leading fusion technology
- Be part of a high-impact, globally significant programme
- Collaborate with leading scientists and engineers
- Gain hands-on experience in a live experimental environment
- Contribute to the future of clean, sustainable energy
The Opportunity
Up to £68,000 (dependent on experience) per annum plus benefits. We’re looking for a Senior Instrumentation Engineer to take ownership of magnetic diagnostics for the ST40 tokamak—the world’s highest field spherical tokamak. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of fusion energy, combining hands-on electronics engineering with real-world experimental physics in a live tokamak environment.
You’ll play a critical role in ensuring diagnostic systems perform reliably during experimental campaigns, while contributing to the ongoing upgrade and enhancement of ST40.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Designing and developing electronics for magnetic diagnostics (including ADCs and signal processing systems)
- Maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving diagnostic and data acquisition systems
- Supporting system operation during tokamak experimental runs
- Fault-finding and resolving issues in high-performance experimental environments
- Designing PCB layouts using ECAD tools and coordinating manufacture
- Collaborating with suppliers to source and specify electronic components
- Supporting front-end signal processing systems used in diagnostics
- Working closely with physicists, engineers, and control room teams
- Potentially participating in control room operations during experimental campaigns
Current Focus
Initially, you’ll support a major upgrade of the ST40 tokamak, enhancing its performance and diagnostic capabilities. Following this, you’ll play a key role in live experimental campaigns, supporting cutting-edge fusion research.
Requirements
Essential
- Strong experience in electronics design
- Knowledge of signal processing and data acquisition systems
- Experience working in complex or large-scale experimental environments
- PCB design experience using ECAD tools
- Experience working with suppliers and electronic components
Desirable
- Experience with magnetic diagnostic sensors (e.g. Mirnov coils, Rogowski coils)
- Background in fusion, plasma physics, or particle accelerators
- PhD or advanced research experience
- Electrical certifications
The Team
You’ll be part of a specialist diagnostics team, collaborating with physicists, engineers, and control room staff in a highly technical and research-driven environment.
Apply Now - If you’re looking to apply your electronics expertise in one of the most exciting and cutting-edge fields in science and engineering, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits
- Competitive salary tailored to your skills and experience (openly discussed from the outset)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown
- Performance-led rewards including bonus, innovation and merit schemes
- Share options – a stake in our future success
- Pension and comprehensive financial protection package
- 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
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.
Senior Instrumentation Engineer - Magnetics Diagnostics in Abingdon employer: Tokamak Energy
At Tokamak Energy, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering employer in the fusion energy sector, offering our employees the chance to work on groundbreaking technologies that contribute to a sustainable future. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, with ample opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in a dynamic experimental environment. Located in Oxfordshire, we provide competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a supportive atmosphere where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Instrumentation Engineer - Magnetics Diagnostics in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the fusion energy field, especially those at Tokamak Energy. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your electronics design and signal processing knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how they relate to the magnetic diagnostics you'll be working on.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for fusion energy! During interviews, express why you’re excited about contributing to cutting-edge research and how your skills can help enhance the ST40 tokamak's performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Tokamak Energy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Instrumentation Engineer - Magnetics Diagnostics in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in electronics design and signal processing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Instrumentation Engineer, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience in complex experimental environments and PCB design. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot and maintain diagnostic systems.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity as much as technical expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Tokamak Energy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tokamak Energy
✨Know Your Electronics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your electronics design knowledge, especially around signal processing and data acquisition systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed or improved these systems, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tokamak Systems
Since you'll be working on the ST40 tokamak, it’s crucial to understand its operational principles and the role of magnetic diagnostics. Research the latest advancements in fusion energy and be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to ongoing upgrades and experimental campaigns.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex issues in high-performance experimental environments. Highlight your fault-finding techniques and any experiences where you collaborated with teams to resolve challenges, as teamwork is key in this role.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to clean, sustainable energy solutions. Familiarise yourself with Tokamak Energy's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in fusion technology and HTS systems.
