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- Tasks: Lead systems engineering for a groundbreaking fusion energy project and ensure seamless integration.
- Company: Join UK Atomic Energy Authority, a leader in sustainable fusion energy development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, flexible working, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fusion energy innovation and make a real impact on the future.
- Qualifications: STEM degree, proven leadership in systems engineering, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with multiple opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Systems Engineering Manager – UKIFS role at UK Atomic Energy Authority.
The UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UKAEA, is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.
UKIFS 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, with flexible working arrangements available.
As an employee of UKIFS you will benefit from an outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, a corporate bonus scheme up to 7%, a relocation allowance (if eligible), flexible working options, an Employee Assistance Programme, and a generous annual leave allowance.
The salary for this role is £77,239 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus benefits. The closing date to apply is 20 October. This vacancy can be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire.
For more information on UKIFS, visit the candidate recruitment pack or the UKAEA careers site.
Job Description
Your mission: As Systems Engineering Manager, you will lead the systems engineering capability for the STEP programme, ensuring the integration of plant-wide systems and delivery of a robust, cohesive design. You’ll drive the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in a pioneering context, shaping how fusion powerplants are designed and delivered.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and oversee the plant-level system architecture, ensuring seamless integration across all major systems and IPTs.
- Lead the decomposition and traceability of requirements from plant-level down to subsystem level, ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
- Manage interface definitions and resolve technical conflicts between subsystems to maintain design integrity.
- Facilitate and participate in technical design reviews and trade-off studies to evaluate alternative solutions and optimise system performance.
- Serve as the technical authority for system-level decisions, guiding integration and design resolution across the programme.
MBSE Strategy and Implementation
- Develop and articulate a clear vision for MBSE application within the STEP programme.
- Lead the development of system models and engineering deliverables for the whole plant and major systems.
- Drive organisational and technical change to embed MBSE across the engineering lifecycle.
- Promote MBSE adoption across all engineering teams to enable consistent modelling practices and collaboration.
- Continuously improve MBSE capabilities, tools, and workflows to enhance engineering efficiency and quality.
Systems Engineering Team
- Provide line management and leadership for the Design Authority’s systems engineering team.
- Build and sustain a high-performing team with the skills to deliver complex systems integration.
- Support professional development through coaching, mentoring, and training.
- Ensure the team delivers high-quality system models and outputs aligned with programme needs.
Cross-Programme Leadership
- Develop and implement a consistent systems engineering strategy across the STEP programme.
- Collaborate with the Head of Engineering Governance to align practices with broader standards.
- Lead the development of tools, processes, and procedures to support systems engineering across all IPTs.
- Define and deliver a training and development strategy to build capability across the organisation.
Leadership Mindset
- Demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and resilience in solving engineering challenges.
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture aligned with UKIFS values.
- Promote professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour; uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life.
- Make informed decisions balancing technical rigour with programme goals.
The above is not exhaustive; other duties may be required.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject.
- Proven engineering leader with experience managing systems engineering teams.
- Experience delivering large, complex, multi-disciplinary programmes.
- Direct experience in system architecture and design.
- Technical decision-making and trade-off analysis.
- Strong communicator and influencer, comfortable working across boundaries.
- Professional registration as Chartered Engineer.
Beneficial
- Experience with MBSE and SYS-ML.
- Experience with whole lifecycle systems engineering.
- Experience in highly regulated or safety-critical industries.
- Stakeholder engagement in complex environments.
- Membership or accreditation with INCOSE.
Additional Information
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusion and diversity. This role requires completing an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check, including DBS checks. For overseas applicants, refer to GOV.UK guidance on criminal records checks.
We have multiple opportunities available; view them on Careers – STEP.
Note: This description contains the information necessary to evaluate the job, but is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.
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Systems Engineering Manager - UKIFS employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority
Contact Detail:
UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineering Manager - UKIFS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around fusion energy. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. Get comfortable with common questions and be ready to discuss your technical expertise and leadership style.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the UKIFS team and contributing to the future of fusion energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineering Manager - UKIFS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Systems Engineering Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in systems engineering and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about fusion energy and how your skills can contribute to the STEP programme. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to our mission.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise, especially in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and system architecture. We’re looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so make sure these skills stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Atomic Energy Authority
✨Know Your Systems Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your systems engineering principles, especially around Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in past projects and how they can be leveraged in the STEP programme.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Systems Engineering Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams, managed conflicts, and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that assess your understanding of system architecture and design. Brush up on your knowledge of interface definitions and trade-off analysis, and be ready to explain your thought process in resolving technical conflicts.
✨Align with UKIFS Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of UKIFS and think about how you can embody them in your role. Be prepared to discuss how you promote professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in your work, as well as how you encourage these values in your team.
