Power RF Engineer

Working arrangements

Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split

We’re recruiting a new team member for our Plasma Heating & Current Drive (H&CD) team. We’re open to both graduate and experienced candidates, and to backgrounds spanning high-power RF and particle-beam/accelerator systems.

You will be a strong team player, working with fellow engineers and physicists on system integration and hands-on delivery of our RF heating plant (80-170

Ghz), particularly gyrotrons and RF transmission line. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to our Neutral Beam Injectors (NBI) and related beamline subsystems.

Our focus is the modelling, development, commissioning, operation and upgrade of cutting-edge plasma heating systems, targeting multi-MW capability for future fusion devices. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in a world leading development of fusion energy.

This role can be highly varied and may consist of any of the following:

• Deliver system integration activities for RF plant: physical installation, interfaces, alignment, assembly, and test.
• Lead or support waveguide installation & commissioning (including conditioning, leak checks, inspections, acceptance tests and performance verification).
• Troubleshoot, repair and maintain high-power microwave components and subsystems (e.g., waveguide, quasi-optics, vacuum windows, mode converters, launchers, arc/flashover protection, cooling).

• Support commissioning and operational readiness: procedures, checklists, interlocks proving, fault response, spares strategy, and preventive maintenance.
• Work with Controls, Vacuum, Electrical, Design and other operational teams to optimise performance and respond to experimental needs.
• Contribute to NBI and beamline activities: installation support, commissioning, fault finding, and interface management. Therefore, we also welcome experience from other accelerator / beam systems.

• Produce and maintain engineering documentation (requirements, test plans, risk assessments, method statements, operating procedures, maintenance plans).
• Prepare specifications and scopes of work for equipment procurement and installation contracts.
• Liaise with manufacturers, contractors and collaborators throughout the hardware lifecycle.

• Maintain safe systems of work for your equipment and activities, contributing to strong operational discipline and continuous improvement.

We’re looking for practical, curious engineers/physicists who enjoy real hardware and interdisciplinary integration, who can demonstrate capability in a combination of:

• Commissioning / installation / operation / maintenance of complex technical systems.
• Comfort in multi-discipline interfaces (mechanical installation, vacuum, cooling, controls, HV/LV, safety).
• Strong documentation habits and clear communication – able to work effectively with technicians, engineers, physicists, suppliers and operations teams.
• A safety-first mindset: ability to follow and improve safe systems of work.
• Degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering, engineering physics, applied physics, or a related discipline.

• Good knowledge of high-power RF technology: RF power sources, transmission lines, launching antennas, ancillary subsystems, RF related hazards and protection.
• Practical experience in operation and maintenance of high-power (above 100 kW) RF equipment: commissioning, troubleshooting, control and interlocks.
• Particle beam / accelerator systems (ion sources, HV/LV pulsed power, beam transport, diagnostics, vacuum beamlines).
• Familiarity with relevant design software and engineering tools.
• Qualifications in high-power RF Electronics or similar.

Role level and salary will be dependent on skills and experience; we will consider a graduate or a more experienced hire for the right candidate.

• Salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Discretionary 3-day festive…