Lead Process Engineer

About the Role

UKFE, a subsidiary of the UKAEA, focuses on developing fusion sustainable energy. The STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme aims to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. Onsite working is expected for three days each week, with flexible working options supported.

The salary is £64,115 plus a specialist allowance of £7,700 and excellent benefits including a pension scheme, bonus scheme up to 7%, relocation allowance (if eligible), generous annual leave, and other benefits.

Additional benefits can be found at

• Act as Process Engineering Subject Matter Expert for Power & Cooling systems, support programme‑wide engineering governance and assurance.
• Lead design and delivery of Power & Cooling process systems from concept to detailed design.
• Ensure technical integrity, safety, manufacturability and performance of all designs.
• Provide process modelling and analysis expertise to support design development and validation.
• Lead and develop a multi‑disciplinary team, providing technical direction and assurance.
• Own and deliver process‑related technology development and testing programmes with internal and external partners.
• Apply systems engineering principles to manage requirements, interfaces, risks and trade‑offs.
• Lead technical engagement with suppliers and collaborators, acting as an intelligent customer.
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards, regulations and engineering governance processes.
• Promote strong leadership mindset, fostering collaboration, high standards and continuous improvement.

Essential

• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent.
• Extensive experience of complex engineering projects.
• Proven experience delivering complex process/mechanical engineering systems used in power generation (major cooling systems, power cycles).
• Experience developing and delivering complex process/mechanical equipment and components (turbines, compressors, pumps, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, valves, process control, nuclear chemistry control, gas storage).
• Experience designing, commissioning and operating high pressure (up to 100bar) and high temperature (up to 600°C) systems.
• Excellent understanding of UK regulations, codes and standards for power plants.
• Proven capability in engineering analysis.
• Proven safety track record, designing for safety.
• Ability to perform exploratory design calculations using first principles.
• Broad & deep understanding of engineering design, manufacture, testing, operations.
• Strategic and innovative thinker.
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to modern Safety, Health, Environment & Quality Assurance standards.
• Experience managing teams of up to 5.
• Experience managing significant external contracts (£500k or higher).

Beneficial

• Chartered status with suitable professional institution.
• Experience in a power plant or delivering designs for power plants.
• Experience in nuclear environment design, materials, coolant chemistry.
• Experience in the fusion industry, tokamak coolant loops, chemistry control, fusion power generating systems.
• Experience designing, commissioning and operating very high pressure systems up to 300bar.
• Understanding of modern project management tools.

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. UKFE is committed to accessibility and promotes EDI.

Applicants selected for an interview will need to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. For more information on criminal records checks, visit

Closing date: 5th June 2026.

Location:

West Burton, Nottinghamshire.