Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling in Burton

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd., a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through the design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with the industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme of 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.
• Emergency paid leave, Generous annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with length of service.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

The Role: As the Head of Engineering – Power and Cooling, you will drive the engineering and integration of critical power and cooling systems within the STEP prototype. These systems include Tokamak cooling, cryogenic cooling, thermal power transfer, power conversion, heat rejection, electrical power management, and grid connection.

You will:

• Lead Engineering Excellence: Direct a team of engineers and strategic partners, promoting innovation and excellence.
• Oversee a growing budget (starting at £3M) while ensuring timely, high-quality delivery aligned with STEP's ambitious goals.
• Shape the technical strategy for low-TRL systems, setting design standards and integrating cutting-edge technologies.
• Foster Integration and Collaboration: Manage interdependencies between power and cooling systems and the wider STEP plant.
• Act as the intelligent client, liaising with government, regulatory bodies, and Whole Plant Partners to deliver effective, coherent solutions.
• Champion Innovation and Risk Management: Drive continuous improvement, leveraging digital tools such as PLM systems and virtual twins to enhance performance.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks, ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
• Build the Future of Fusion: Set the design direction for novel cooling and power systems, enabling efficient energy transfer and grid integration.
• Lead by example, fostering a culture of curiosity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Qualifications: We are looking for an exceptional individual with a unique blend of technical and leadership skills to shape the next generation of energy systems.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Technical Expertise: A degree in a STEM-related field (with Chartered Engineer status). Proven success in delivering complex, high-tech engineering projects in a regulated environment. Deep understanding of power generation, cooling systems, thermal power transfer, and electrical power management. Familiarity with National Grid requirements and power system interdependencies. Expertise in system engineering methodologies, including design for low-TRL systems.
• Strategic Vision and Innovation: Demonstrated ability to set and deliver organisational strategies aligned with long-term goals. Experience leveraging digital transformation tools, including PLM systems and digital twins, to optimise performance. Proven ability to identify new technologies, efficiencies, and advancements in energy system design.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Inspirational leadership style with a proven ability to co-ordinate interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists. Strong communication skills, capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels, resolving conflicts, and building consensus. Experience in building partnerships across consortia, industry, and government.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Ability to thrive in ambiguity, embrace evolving technologies, and lead in emergent environments. Strong track record of managing technical risk and delivering innovative solutions in high-pressure settings.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, or other high-regulation industries.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques or materials science as applied to energy systems.
• Familiarity with public-private partnerships and international collaboration.

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

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the UK Government website for information on criminal records checks. If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.

Hours: Full Time