Lead Environmental Engineer

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid‑century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this groundbreaking journey.

• Outstandingdefined 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 being fully inclusive.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.

A full list of our benefits can be found here

The salary for this role is £50,311 plus a Specialist Allowance which is non‑contractual and non‑pensionable, plus excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

This position is to be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire and onsite working is expected for 3 days each week.

For more information on UKIFS, visit:

The closing date for this advert is set for the 27th of February 2026.

Fusion energy offers the potential for significant quantities of low‑carbon, inherently safe, abundantly fuelled, baseload energy, supporting sustainable climate action and energy independence. While the technical challenge remains high, confidence is increasing, and the rewards of realising fusion are almost incalculable. Anticipated to come online for commercial purposes in the middle of this century, fusion offers a viable means to sustainable net zero in the UK and globally, as well as to increased energy security.

The UK is currently a world leader in fusion research and development and in the drive to realise commercially viable energy from fusion, a sector with an estimated value of trillions of pounds per year.

STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK’s flagship national programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to commercial viability of fusion. STEP is deliberately bold and ambitious and seeks people who want to be part of a world‑changing endeavour and who have credible and relevant experiencing in delivery.

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) has been established to deliver the STEP programme, and, in so doing, spearhead the development of a fusion supply chain. UKIFS is a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and therefore builds upon decades of world‑leading expertise in fusion science, engineering and operations. Two Whole Plant Partners are currently being sort, to bring expertise in engineering design and construction.

Reporting to the Head of Engineering Assurance, the Lead Environmental Engineer will provide specialist support to ensure the STEP prototype plant meets all environmental, regulatory, and best‑practice requirements. The role covers the assessment, modelling, and management of environmental effects across noise, air quality, watercourses, and emissions. Responsibilities include supporting Best Available Technique (BAT) assessments, delivering BAT training across project teams, maintaining the plant‑wide waste and emissions inventories…