Plasma Control & Sensor System Manager

Salary: £73,190 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

• Division:
  Plasma Science and Fusion Operations
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  West Burton, Nottinghamshire
• Department:
  Plasma Science and Fusion Operations Lead Team
• Compensation: GBP 73,190 yearly

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 the 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 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 £7 tn per year.

Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground‑breaking journey.

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

The salary for this role is £73,190 + excellent benefits including outstanding pension. This position is eligible for an allowance of £7,900 annually.

The closing date to apply for this position is the 31st of May.

A full list of our benefits can be found here

For more information on UKIFS, visit:

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

Reporting to the Head of Plasma Development (HoPD) you will lead research and development needed to achieve robust control of the STEP plasma solution. In your area you will be responsible for a team of 15–25 full‑term equivalents in a matrixed organisation. Providing world‑class expertise in the area of plasma control and associated sensor systems, you will develop the systems required for controllable plasma scenarios with acceptable disruption handling for the STEP Prototype and subsequent Commercial Reactor designs.

Your integrated control solutions will inform the identification of integrated, high‑performance scenarios for fusion plasmas consistent with STEP power plant design studies.

In this role, you would be expected to:

• Engage with the wider UK plasma science programme of UKAEA, universities and international collaborators (where appropriate) to identify innovative solutions for the STEP plasma control and sensor systems (diagnostics) consistent with the plant and reactor subsystems throughout the phases of the STEP programme.
• Partner with industry where there is complementary capability.
• Engage with the Design Authority and Engineering Delivery teams to ensure compatibility with overall concept design, operational and maintenance strategy.
• Engage with national and international partners hosting tokamak and other plasma or technical facilities to reduce the uncertainty in the plasma control and sensor system solution for STEP.
• Identify areas of synergy with the ITER, EU DEMO and other fusion power plant programmes as well as activities outside the STEP programme in the Fusion and Engineering partners, leveraging international funding where appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to prototype and test aspects of the plasma control system.

Accountabilities will include:

• Provide the leadership to establish a world‑class team of control experts from across the UKAEA Fusion Partner and industry.
• Wor…