Lead Waste Engineer

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 cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground-breaking 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.

• 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.
• Wide range of career development opportunities
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• A vibrant culture committed to equality and fully inclusive
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The salary for this role is £71,815 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however we actively support requests for flexible working.

This role can be based at any of the following sites:
Culham, Oxfordshire
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Eligibility for SC Clearance is required (must have resided in the UK for the last 5 years), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

As Lead Waste Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the JET Decommissioning and Repurposing (JDR) programme, helping to safely and efficiently deliver the decommissioning of the JET estate. This work is central to reducing on-site hazards, lowering long-term liabilities for UKAEA, and capturing critical learning to support the design and operation of future fusion facilities.

In this role, you will lead operational waste management activities across the programme, including waste characterisation, treatment, storage, and disposal routes. You will be responsible for implementing and delivering the JDR waste strategy, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, and supporting the successful delivery of key programme milestones.

You will provide expert advice and guidance to senior leadership on waste management and decommissioning activities, helping to inform decision-making and ensure safe, efficient delivery. The role also involves close collaboration with internal programmes across UKAEA to identify shared requirements and integrated solutions, as well as engagement with external organisations to promote UKAEA’s expertise in waste management and decommissioning.

In addition, you will contribute to innovation within the Waste Innovation Group (WIG) in the Tritium Fuel Cycle division, which focuses on advancing tritium lifecycle technologies. This includes supporting research, development, and the validation and prototyping of novel processes to accelerate their readiness for future fusion applications. Through this work, you will help bridge the gap between R&D and operational delivery, enabling the practical application of emerging technologies in a complex nuclear environment.

• Ensure behaviours actively support the safety, health, and wellbeing of yourself and colleagues, while promoting UKAEA’s values and fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Lead strategic decision-making, governance, and assurance for waste management across UKAEA assets (including the JET estate), spanning characterisation, operation, repurposing, and decommissioning activities.
• Provide specialist technical expertise in waste planning and characterisation, including radiometric characterisation, data validation, waste route selection, and consignment.
• Develop, implement, and…