Environmental Testing and Degradation Mitigations Manager

Environmental Testing and Degradation Mitigations Manager

• Full-time
• Division: UKFE
  - Technical
• Site
  
  Location:
  
  West Burton, Nottinghamshire
• Department: UKFE
  - Science and Technology

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of 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 UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

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

As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from:

• Outstandingdefined benefit pension scheme,details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporatebonus schemeup to 7% and aRelocationallowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programmeand trained Mental Health First Aiders,
• Generous annual leaveallowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• A vibrantculturecommitted to being fullyinclusive

The salary for this role is £73,190 plus a Specialist Allowance of £7,900 which is non-contractual and non-pensionable + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. You’ll spend a proportion of your time at our West Burton site, alongside occasional visits to our Culham site.

The closing date for this advert is set for the 9th September 2026.

We are looking for an experienced and innovative Environmental Testing & Degradation Mitigation (ETDM) Manager to lead a high-profile environmental qualification and degradation mitigation programme valued at approximately £6 million over three years. This strategic leadership role will play a pivotal part in ensuring that materials, components and systems can withstand the demanding environments encountered within a fusion power plant.

Working closely with the Fusion Partner (UKAEA), universities, research organisations and industrial partners, you will drive the generation of the environmental performance evidence needed to support design substantiation, regulatory compliance, inspection and maintenance strategies, and long-term plant reliability.

As the recognised subject matter expert for environmental durability and degradation risks, you will sit at the intersection of materials science, reliability engineering, systems engineering and experimental validation.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams to develop environmental testing programmes, identify degradation mechanisms, assess risks to plant performance, and implement mitigation strategies that support the successful delivery of the STEP Prototype Plant and future commercial fusion facilities.

This role focuses on non-irradiated environmental degradation and qualification, working in close partnership with irradiation science and materials modelling teams to ensure a joined-up approach to materials qualification.

Environmental Testing Strategy & Programme Leadership

• Develop and own the environmental testing and degradation qualification strategy for critical STEP systems, materials and components.
• Define testing roadmaps aligned with product development milestones, design maturity and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the planning, prioritisation and execution of component and system-level environmental test campaigns.
• Work closely with the Design Authority to ensure evidence generation supports key engineering and qualification…