Magnets Engineering Manager

STEP Fusion

UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing sustainable fusion energy. Through the design and delivery of the 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.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 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 full inclusivity

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 a 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 £tns per year.

STEP is the UK’s flagship national programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to the 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 experience in delivery.

• Act as Technical Authority for STEP magnets
  • Responsible for overall adequacy of magnet design and development: performance, integrity and technical delivery.
• Drive forward magnet design work (including remountable joints)
  • Prioritise design efforts to allow convergence of overall plant design.
  • Guide team to achieve the target design definition levels and confidence levels required by the programme.
  • Manage interfaces with wider STEP power plant systems.
  • Ensure Intellectual Property generated by the programme is managed in accordance with UKIFS policy.
• Effectively prioritise technical risks
  • Drive technology demonstration to eliminate major obstacles and increase confidence in the fulfilment of magnet requirements.
  • Continually review priorities and deploy resources accordingly.
• Interact with other technical and functional areas
  • Champion cross‑functional working.
  • Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.
  • Lead cross‑functional teams to implement best solutions for the programme.
  • Work with Project Managers to manage budget and milestones.
• Develop the magnets team and support staff development
  • Develop strategy for magnet staff recruitment, retention, training and development.
  • Work with the UKFE Prototype & Test team to build corporate competence and practical experience in technical disciplines related to magnet design, manufacture and operations.
  • Foster a culture of world‑class innovation and practical delivery.
• Develop magnets supply chain
  • Engage with global technical and manufacturing experts to develop technical solutions and promote build‑up of manufacturing capacity.
  • Work with the commercial team to maximise the value added by supply chain bodies in the UK for the STEP programme and beyond.
  • Ensure effective technical and quality management of contracts and collaborations.
• Embody a Leadership Mindset
  • Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
  • Contribute to maintaining a…