Mechanical Design Engineer

Tokamak Energy is a global leader in fusion energy and high temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. We work with governments and industry to develop and bring fusion and HTS solutions to market through innovation and strategic partnerships. A major part of this is our end to end capability in HTS systems, from design to manufacturing.

We are the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK Government's STEP Fusion programme, under a £70million contract running to 2029, working with UK Fusion Energy to deliver HTS magnet systems for the STEP prototype power plant, while also contributing to tokamak systems and plasma integration.

Founded in 2009 as a spin-out from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Tokamak Energy is headquartered in Oxfordshire, with subsidiaries in the United States and Japan. Today, we employ over 300 people and have secured more than £280 million in investment.

We operate through three divisions:

Fusion - Fusion energy technologies, expertise and testbeds for government and private fusion programmes, including ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak.

TE Magnetics - HTS systems for commercial applications including fusion energy, power distribution, life sciences, and propulsion.

Ridgway Machines - Manufacturing equipment for the superconducting, electrical and wider energy sectors, enabling the rapid industrialisation of HTS products.

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team working on advanced technology systems including high temperature superconducting magnets, cryogenic refrigeration, vacuum technology and pressure systems.

Salary guide - £50,000 to £65,000 dependent on skills and experience, plus benefits

You’ll be working as part of a multidisciplinary team designing and delivering complex mechanical systems and assemblies that operate in demanding conditions, including:

• High magnetic field environments
• Cryogenic temperatures
• Vacuum technology
• High-energy and high-current applications
• High precision temperature diagnostic instruments
• Ionising radiation
• Pressure systems

Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating 3D CAD models and engineering drawings
• Performing engineering analysis (FEA, calculations, simulations)
• Designing components for performance, manufacturability, and safety
• Collaborating with other engineers, physicists, and suppliers
• Supporting testing, validation, and system integration
• Producing clear technical documentation

Who this role is for

This role is best suited to engineers who have already worked in highly technical, physics-driven or extreme operating environments, where understanding system behaviour is critical from day one.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in industries such as:

• Superconducting magnet systems or high-field applications
• Cryogenic engineering (low-temperature systems, cryostats, thermal management)
• Vacuum systems and pressure-controlled environments
• Scientific research or instrumentation (particle accelerators, experimental physics equipment, advanced labs)
• Aerospace and space systems (high-reliability, extreme environments)
• Advanced energy systems, including:
  Nuclear fission or fusion energy, high-power electrical systems, turbo machinery or rotating equipment, electromagnetic or high-current systems where structural and thermal effects are critical

These environments develop engineers who understand challenges such as thermal contraction, electromagnetic loading, vacuum compatibility, and safety-critical design, which are essential in this role.

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering
• Strong CAD and mechanical design experience
• Background in complex, high-performance engineering systems as per the above description
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

• Direct experience in one or more of the industries listed above
• Understanding of:
• Electromagnetic forces and their mechanical impact
• Cryogenic materials and thermal behaviour
• Vacuum design principles
• Experience with safety-critical or highly regulated systems

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown
• Performance-led rewards including…