At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex systems engineering projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: Join UK Fusion Energy, a pioneer in sustainable fusion energy development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering and tackle meaningful challenges.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in systems engineering and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 58320 - 64820 £ per year.
Site Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire
Department: UKFE - Design Authority
Company Description
STEP Fusion UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKFE will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week; however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.
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.
- Wide range of career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.
The salary for this role is £58,320 plus excellent benefits including outstanding pension. This role includes a non‑contractual and non‑pensionable specialist allowance of £6,500 in addition to the salary specified.
Note: The closing date to apply for this position is the 23rd June 2026. This UKFE vacancy will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
Job Description
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join our growing STEP programme and play a pivotal role in delivering complex, high‑impact engineering outcomes. In this role, you will take full ownership of systems engineering delivery at work‑package level, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership capability. You will operate across a broad systems engineering scope – from eliciting and analysing stakeholder needs and defining whole‑plant requirements, to integrating transversal design requirements and shaping systems engineering policy and processes.
What You’ll Be Doing
Delivery Leadership- Own and lead the end‑to‑end delivery of systems engineering work packages, including resource allocation and budget accountability.
- Ensure delivery of assured products and services aligned to scope, quality, schedule, and cost.
- Plan, track, and manage delivery, resolving technical and programme issues proactively.
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, partners, and suppliers to drive successful outcomes.
- Act as the Systems Engineering technical authority for your work packages.
- Provide clear technical direction and resolve complex decisions and trade‑offs.
- Ensure consistent application of systems engineering principles, standards, and lifecycle practices.
- Coordinate and integrate concurrent workstreams, contributors, and interfaces.
- Identify and manage technical assumptions, dependencies, and risks, ensuring delivery confidence.
- Maintain alignment and technical integrity across all activities.
- Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to engineers.
- Champion best practice in systems engineering and drive continuous improvement in tools, processes, and ways of working.
- Engage stakeholders effectively to communicate progress and manage expectations.
- Embody a strong leadership mindset, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performing team environment.
- Act as a cultural ambassador, aligning to organisational values and the Seven Principles of Public Life.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience delivering complex systems engineering programmes or work packages.
- Strong technical background across the systems engineering lifecycle.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and manage delivery challenges.
- Experience balancing technical authority with collaborative leadership.
- Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
- Passion for mentoring others and improving engineering excellence.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a cutting‑edge programme shaping the future of engineering.
- Work on complex, meaningful challenges with real‑world impact.
- Collaborate with leading experts across industry and academia.
- Opportunities for career growth, leadership development, and innovation.
Qualifications
- A relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject.
- Professional registration as Chartered Engineer with recognised engineering institution (e.g. IfSE, IET, IMechE etc.).
- Extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering and the ability to apply it pragmatically.
- Experience of managing the delivery of systems engineering scope through teams.
- Evidence of operating as a technical authority for systems engineering deliverables.
- Experience of coaching and mentoring junior team members.
- Exemplary communicator with strong evidence of the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
Beneficial
- Member of Institute for Systems Engineering (MIfSE).
- Systems Engineering Professional accreditation (ASEP/CSEP) with the International Council of Systems Engineering.
- Experience in using Dassault Systemes 3DS tools, specifically Catia Magic (Cameo Systems Modeler) and 3DExperience.
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. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.
UKFE is committed to being accessible. For applicants requiring help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, please email talent@ukifs.uk.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. The possibility of SC Clearance in the future exists; if a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKFE.
Senior Systems Engineer in Retford employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
At UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that champions equality and diversity. Our employees enjoy a generous benefits package, including a defined benefit pension scheme, flexible working options, and ample opportunities for career development within the cutting-edge field of fusion energy. Join us in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, to work alongside industry leaders on meaningful projects that have a real-world impact, while fostering your professional growth in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Systems Engineer in Retford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at UKFE on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your application noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the STEP programme and UKFE's mission. Show us that you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about shaping the future of fusion energy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences in systems engineering and how you've tackled challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you're truly interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Engineer in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Senior Systems Engineer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves a lot of leadership, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to influence and guide others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering principles and lifecycle practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in complex environments. This will show that you can take ownership of the systems engineering delivery as required for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership capabilities, particularly in mentoring and coaching others. Think about times when you've influenced stakeholders or resolved conflicts within a team. This is crucial since the role requires strong leadership and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect to face technical questions that test your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've encountered in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your ability to balance technical authority with collaborative leadership, as this is key for the position.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with UKFE's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive team environment. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you're a cultural fit.
