Lead Process Engineer

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

• 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 £64,115 plus excellent benefits including outstanding pension. This role includes a non‑contractual and non‑pensionable specialist allowance of £7,700 in addition to the salary specified. The closing date to apply for this position is the 8th June 2026.

In this role you will be a core member of the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team, directly reporting to the Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling.

The role will be primarily supporting the design efforts of the STEP Prototype Powerplant (SPP) by providing core expertise and capability of the systems interfacing with the tokamak. You will lead and own the design, as the Lead Process Engineer, for the key process systems: the Tokamak primary cooling system (which circulates coolants that extract heat from the tokamak), the power cycle system (which converts the extracted heat into electrical power), and the heat rejection system (which rejects heat from the power cycle and the wider SPP into the environment).

Working with the advanced cycles lead, you will own any relevant technology development programmes seeking to develop the design confidence of these process systems. In this role you will be a key contributor to a deliverable design which will ultimately ensure SPP’s ability to convert thermal power into electrical power that can be delivered to the grid, for the first time from a fusion energy source.

• Act as the Process Engineering Subject Matter Expert for Power & Cooling systems, and support programme‑wide development of engineering governance and assurance.
• Lead the design and delivery of the Power & Cooling process systems (tokamak primary cooling, power cycle, heat rejection) from concept through to detailed design.
• Ensure the technical integrity, safety, manufacturability and performance of all process system designs.
• Provide process modelling and analysis expertise to support design development and validation.
• Lead and develop a multi‑disciplinary team of engineers, providing technical direction and assurance.
• Own and deliver process‑related technology development and testing programmes, working 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 a 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 of developing and delivering complex process/mechanical engineering systems used in power generation, namely major cooling systems (water or gas), and power cycles.
• Proven experience of…