Control Room Operator (1 Year FTC)

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

Do you have a proactive attitude and are a naturally inquisitive individual? If so, join our small team as a Control Room Operator and help contribute to the future of sustainable fusion energy.

As a Control Room Operator for Active Gas Handling System (AGHS), you will play a pivotal role in assisting the Plant Operations Duty Officer in delivering routine tasks, responding to associated system alarms by taking appropriate action to mitigate plant problems from worsening. Full training will be provided; however, you must have a proactive and can-do attitude, ensuring that your behaviour and decisions promote the safety, health and welfare of yourself and your colleagues.

• Support the Plant Supervisor and AGHS Control Room Duty Officer with daily operational duties, maintaining accurate and timely entries in the Control Room logbook.
• Monitor, acknowledge, and respond appropriately to alarms, including plant, RPI, fire, flammable gas, and oxygen systems.
• Carry out pre- and post-operational tasks and daily checks in accordance with Operational Instructions, including safe access checks, radiological and atmospheric surveys, and diagnostic shutdown activities.
• Monitor and maintain stable plant conditions, promptly reporting any abnormalities or irregularities to the Plant Supervisor.
• Liaise with the Control Room Shift Technician regarding planned interventions.
• Undertake tasks to ensure a safe working environment in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, and promote safe working practices to visitors during inspections and facility tours.
• Work in accordance with UKAEA policies and procedures and undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by management.

Due to the role requirements, this is an on-site based role at Culham.

• A good understanding of safety procedures and why they are required.
• Able to work on own initiative or with others on tasks with minimum supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrable proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience of working in a controlled or regulated environment.
• HNC, BTEC ONC, City & Guilds Level 2/3, NVQ Level 2/3, or an equivalent qualification in a mechanical, scientific, or engineering discipline (preferred).

A full list of our benefits can be found here but highlights include:

• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution.
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank holidays.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit. Further information can be found here. UKAEA is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukaea.uk if you require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis.