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- Tasks: Lead the engineering strategy for the UK's first prototype fusion energy plant.
- Company: Join UKIFS, a pioneer in sustainable fusion energy solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a corporate bonus, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global energy production while fostering innovation and diversity.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer with experience in large-scale testing and engineering management.
The predicted salary is between 87038 - 100000 £ per year.
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is leading the design, build, and future operation of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production). Building on decades of world-leading research, UKIFS works closely with industry partners to turn the promise of fusion into a practical, sustainable energy source for the future.
Our mission is to bring together the expertise needed to deliver commercial fusion energy, developing cost-effective fusion plants that will transform global energy production. With a strong commitment to innovation, diversity, and collaboration, we are creating a world-class workforce to solve one of the planet’s toughest challenges — and shape a cleaner, more sustainable future.
To meet our programme milestones and objectives, we are currently seeking a highly experienced and visionary Head of Engineering to join us working in our prototype and testing area on a full-time, permanent basis.
What We Offer
- Salary of £87,038 per annum (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance)
- Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7%
- 25 days’ annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Flexible working options
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Relocation allowance (if eligible)
- A wide range of career development opportunities
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive
This is an unparalleled opportunity for a talented and innovative engineering leader with chartered status and a technical background to make a tangible and lasting contribution to a project of national and global significance. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the success of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, leading groundbreaking activities that will accelerate us towards a clean, sustainable energy future.
Your Role
As the Head of Engineering for our STEP programme, you will lead the strategic direction and delivery of all Prototype and Testing (P&T) Technology Demonstration activities. You will define and implement the overall P&T delivery strategy, establishing a strong culture of engineering excellence and continuous improvement. Working closely with leaders across Integrated Project Teams, you will ensure the programme is equipped with the personnel, facilities and digital tools needed to operate efficiently across the P&T lifecycle.
Your work will be critical to ensuring the success of this pioneering fusion energy project, shaping both the physical and virtual testing infrastructure needed to build confidence in STEP’s technical designs and future performance. Additionally, you will:
- Manage technical risks
- Drive the development of a comprehensive Virtual Twin
- Lead the strategic exploitation of digital technologies to enhance engineering capabilities
- Oversee strategic workforce planning and make/buy strategies for prototype and testing activities
- Lead stakeholder engagement and serve as the primary technical contact for P&T delivery
- Foster a collaborative, respectful working environment that champions innovation and diversity
About You
To be considered as our Head of Engineering, you will need:
- Experience successfully delivering large-scale testing programmes within complex technical environments
- A proven track record in programme or engineering management roles
- Experience setting and delivering organisational strategy and implementing business plans
- Extensive experience leading large, geographically distributed Engineering teams
- Experience operating within a business holding design authority
- A degree or equivalent in a relevant STEM discipline
- Chartered Engineer status
Please note, this role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.
Webrecruit, UKAEA and UKIFS are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you’re ready to drive the delivery of this pioneering first-of-a-kind fusion power plant as our Head of Engineering, please apply via the button shown.
Head of Engineering - Prototype and Testing employer: Women's Engineering Society
Contact Detail:
Women's Engineering Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering - Prototype and Testing
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in fusion energy and prototype testing. Understanding the current trends and challenges in this field will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fusion energy sector, especially those involved in large-scale testing programmes. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the specific skills and experiences that are valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within engineering teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed geographically distributed teams and delivered complex projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Research UKIFS and its mission thoroughly. Understanding their goals and values will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your vision aligns with theirs, making you a more compelling candidate for the Head of Engineering position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering - Prototype and Testing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in engineering management and large-scale testing programmes. Emphasise your chartered status and any specific projects that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your vision for the Head of Engineering role. Discuss how your background aligns with UKIFS's mission to deliver commercial fusion energy and your approach to fostering innovation and collaboration.
Highlight Leadership Experience: In your application, focus on your experience leading geographically distributed teams and managing technical risks. Provide examples of how you've successfully delivered organisational strategies in complex environments.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Detail your technical background in STEM disciplines and any experience with digital technologies or virtual twin development. This will demonstrate your capability to enhance engineering capabilities as outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Women's Engineering Society
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Engineering, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading large, geographically distributed teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and driven engineering excellence in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your technical background in detail, especially in relation to large-scale testing programmes. Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in fusion energy and be prepared to explain how your expertise aligns with the goals of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
✨Emphasise Strategic Thinking
The role requires setting and delivering organisational strategy. Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic planning and how you've implemented business plans in past positions. Highlight any experience you have with digital technologies and their application in engineering.
✨Foster a Collaborative Mindset
Given the emphasis on collaboration and diversity, be prepared to share examples of how you've fostered a respectful and innovative working environment. Discuss how you engage stakeholders and build relationships across different teams to achieve project success.