Senior Systems Engineer

• Site
  
  Location:
  
  West Burton, Nottinghamshire
• Department: UKFE - Design Authority

STEP Fusion

UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

UKFE will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week
, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

As an employee of UKFE you will benefit from:

• 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.
• 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.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £58,320 plus excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

This role includes a non‑contractual and non‑pensionable specialist allowance of £6,500 in addition to the salary specified.

Note:

The closing date to apply for this position is the 23rd June 2026.

This UKFE vacancy will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to join our growing STEP programme and play a pivotal role in delivering complex, high‑impact engineering outcomes.

In this role, you will take full ownership of systems engineering delivery at work‑package level, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership capability. You will operate across a broad systems engineering scope – from eliciting and analysing stakeholder needs and defining whole‑plant requirements, to integrating transversal design requirements and shaping systems engineering policy and processes.

• Own and lead the end‑to‑end delivery of systems engineering work packages, including resource allocation and budget accountability.
• Ensure delivery of assured products and services aligned to scope, quality, schedule, and cost.
• Plan, track, and manage delivery, resolving technical and programme issues proactively.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, partners, and suppliers to drive successful outcomes.

• Act as the Systems Engineering technical authority for your work packages.
• Provide clear technical direction and resolve complex decisions and trade‑offs.
• Ensure consistent application of systems engineering principles, standards, and lifecycle practices.
• Coordinate and integrate concurrent work streams, contributors, and interfaces.
• Identify and manage technical assumptions, dependencies, and risks, ensuring delivery confidence.
• Maintain alignment and technical integrity across all activities.

• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to engineers.
• Champion best practice in systems engineering and drive continuous improvement in tools, processes, and ways of working.
• Engage stakeholders effectively to communicate progress and manage expectations.
• Embody a strong leadership mindset, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performing team environment.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, aligning to organisational values and the Seven Principles of Public Life.

• Proven experience delivering complex systems engineering programmes or work packages.
• Strong technical background across the systems engineering lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and manage delivery challenges.
• Experience balancing technical authority with collaborative leadership.
• Excellent problem‑solving and…