Engineering Manager

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 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.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

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 is based at the following site:
Culham, Oxfordshire.

As Engineering Manager, you will provide technical and project leadership on large‑scale or strategically significant engineering projects, influencing organisational direction and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. You will apply specialist expertise to define, manage and deliver complex engineering projects and lead project teams across enhancement programmes, future fusion devices, and related technologies. The role includes coordinating teams, acting as a point of authority in engineering management processes, and guiding the development of technical solutions, designs and resolution of critical operational issues.

Project role

• Lead and deliver major fusion system projects from concept through to detailed design and implementation across UKAEA facilities, enhancement programmes, and future fusion devices.
• Specify and lead complex, integrated engineering solutions involving multiple disciplines, including technical arbitration and early‑stage definition of make vs buy decisions, budgets and schedules.
• Manage all technical project activities, ensuring delivery within specification, to agreed scope, quality, budget and timelines, while coordinating and deploying resources effectively.
• Apply systems engineering principles and select appropriate design substantiation methods, considering time, cost, technical risk and regulatory requirements, including applicable design codes and legislation.
• Define and manage engineering documentation across the lifecycle, act as technical authority for design readiness, and lead design and readiness reviews ensuring compliance with UKAEA standards, including supplier documentation.
• Interface with the supply chain by specifying work for tender, acting as technical interface or contract project manager (up to £5 m), and assessing and accepting supplier equipment based on inspection and test data.
• Oversee installation, testing and commissioning of engineering systems, apply work control and safe systems of work, and communicate technical outputs through reports, publications and external representation.

Engineering Management Group role

• Define and implement organisational and technical improvements, influencing policy, standards and best practice within the project engineering discipline.
• Support the development of engineers through knowledge transfer, coaching and mentoring, including individuals within and outside the Engineering Management Group.
• Act as an independent reviewer of UKAEA projects and build effective relationships with external organisations including laboratories, universities, suppliers…