Process Operations Engineer

• Salary: £35,003 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
• Confirmed Grade:
  Grade C

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values:
Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• 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 equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £
35,003 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working.

This role can be based at any of the following sites;
Culham, Oxfordshire

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.

As a Process Operations Engineer within the H3AT Tritium Services Group, you will play a key role in the operation, maintenance, and upgrade of tritium processing facilities that support the development of first‑generation fusion power plants. You will contribute to functional and development activities that validate system design, performance, and operating parameters for future fusion facilities, while helping ensure the safe recycling of tritium and detritiation of exhaust from the JET Fusion Reactor.

Working within a collaborative and technically rigorous environment, you will help deliver high‑quality engineering solutions that support the commercialisation of fusion energy.

• Support the operation, maintenance, training, and long‑term development of process plant systems.
• Prepare Work Control Packs (WCPs), including Risk Assessments (RAs) and Method Statements (MSs), for work involving tritium containment systems.
• Identify and implement improvements to process plant systems, maintenance activities, and operational practices.
• Maintain system records and design documentation, including manuals, maintenance history, P&IDs, and associated technical documents.
• Support system testing and commissioning activities, ensuring compliance with UKAEA policies and relevant safety regulations.
• Assist in delivering work packages safely, on time, and within budget.
  
  Promote a strong Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) culture aligned with UKAEA requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with staff and subcontractors to support operational activities.
• Communicate technical information through presentations, reports, and day‑to‑day engagement with teams.

• Qualified to HNC/Degree level (or equivalent) in an engineering or scientific discipline and/or prior experience in the design, commissioning and/or operation of experimental equipment and/or plant.
• Demonstrable experience with document management systems and/or technical control documentation.
• Able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good planning, organising and time management skills including the ability to prioritise the workload.
• Understanding of radioactive materials or other hazardous materials including…