Lead Electrical Engineer in Retford

Salary: £64,115 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

Division: UKIFS - Technical

Site Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire

Company Description

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype. Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible)
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive

This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week. The closing date for this advert is set for the 24th April 2026.

Job Description

Fusion energy offers the potential for significant quantities of low-carbon, inherently safe, abundantly fuelled, baseload energy, supporting sustainable climate action and energy independence. While the technical challenge remains high, confidence is increasing, and the rewards of realising fusion are almost incalculable. Anticipated to come online for commercial purposes in the middle of this century, fusion offers a viable means to sustainable net zero in the UK and globally, as well as to increased energy security.

What you’ll be doing

You will be a core member of the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team, directly reporting to the Head Of Engineering – Power & Cooling. In this role you will be primarily supporting the design efforts of the STEP Prototype Powerplant by providing core expertise and capability of the systems interfacing with the tokamak. Namely you will lead and own the design, as the Lead Electrical Engineer, for key electrical systems and sub systems.

Accountability 1: Electrical Subject Matter Expert

• Act as the main point of contact in the team and the wider organisation regarding all matters relating to electrical engineering design
• Accountable for the integrity and manufacturability of the Power & Cooling electrical system and sub system designs
• Provide key modelling capability of electrical design modelling supporting development of tools used for analysis
• Conduct the development, improvement and dissemination of internal design and analysis procedures, methods and skills in the technical fields associated with Power & Cooling electrical design

Accountability 2: Lead design

• Own, lead and deliver the design of the electrical system and sub-systems, from concept through to detailed design for STEP and the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team
• Lead and manage a team of engineers of different levels of experience
• Accountable for the electrical design of key components within power and cooling

Accountability 3: Lead technology development

• Accountable for testing of key electrical interfacing components and systems interfacing with the tokamak and within Power & Cooling
• Lead technology development programmes supporting the wider design electrical system and sub system design

Accountability 4: External and internal engagement

• Lead the technical delivery of projects including those involving an international customer and/or international collaborators or suppliers
• Act as the technical lead for supporting external design, manufacture, and installation contracts required for project completion

Accountability 5: Engineering governance and assurance

• Develop and supervise the approach to codes and standards to be used for the electrical engineering design of the Power & Cooling area
• Critically assess designs for deliverability and integrity

Accountability 6: Embody a Leadership Mindset

• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization’s values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders

Qualifications

• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent
• Extensive experience of complex engineering projects
• Proven experience of developing and delivering complex electrical major systems and sub systems

Beneficial:

• Chartered status with a suitable professional institution
• Experience in developing designs for the fusion industry

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.