By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow's fusion power stations with the aim of bringing fusion electricity to the grid.

As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values that capture the spirit of how we work. These values include being: Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative.

Who are we looking for?

The UKAEA is growing its team of cost modelling experts. We have one permanent vacancy available depending on the candidates’ background either for a Fusion Cost Integrator (Level 5) or Cost Modeller (Level 4) position to make big contributions towards our mission, which is to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant and a pathway to viable commercial fusion by 2040.

This is a highly interactive role in a cross-cutting environment that is part of a high paced delivery programme trying to create a new low carbon energy source. The Fusion Cost integrator/Cost Modeller role sits at the heart of the evaluation and optimisation of the cost of the STEP prototype plant design and its extrapolation to commercial power plants.

Due to the nature of the high paced working environment, you will need to operate at pace and with resilience. To be successful as the Fusion Cost Integrator/Cost Modeller you will have to be agile, collaborative, and supportive but also you will have to be honest and realistic.

What will you be responsible for?

Cost Modeller:

• Creating, maintaining, and analysing cost models and data bases in Excel/Calc4xl
• Documenting new cost models, res resulting cost estimate and uncertainties
• Reporting on analysis of cost models both orally and int written form
• Interact with subject matter experts to align cost models and technical design

Fusion Cost Integrator:

• Lead the development of cost models relevant to the associated product areas.
• Form an integrated understanding of how the costs of an individual system impact on the overall power plant
• Influence the design of individual technical units to be cost optimised
• Launch and manage external procurement related to the creation of cost models

Essential skills, experience and competence required

For both roles:

• Relevant degree in engineering or a scientific discipline or significant experience of working in an engineering field
• Either knowledge of fusion power plant integration/systems modelling and interest in costs or cost engineering background in low TRL engineering environments with good technical understanding and interest in integrated fusion power plant design (Greater level of knowledge required for fusion cost integrator role)
• Demonstrated ability to quickly build a working knowledge of a new, complex subject matter
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently within a multi-disciplinary team
• Effective and flexible verbal and written communication skills

For the Fusion Cost Integrator:

• Ability to influence product design leads, senior management, and other stakeholders
• Ability to plan and manage costing modelling and optimisation activities to support commercially viable product options

Desirable skills, experience, and competence

For both:

• Ability to read, interpret and manipulate CAD

For the Fusion Cost Integrator:

• Familiarity with the fusion sector/ power sector as well as broad power plant technologies
• Understanding of integration challenges in fusion power plant
• Experience of working in a major programme environment
• Membership of ACostE or completion of a recognised cost engineering/estimating course

Our benefits package includes a vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive, an Employee Assistance Programme, Flexible working options including family friendly policies, Emergency paid leave, annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with service, career development opportunities, outstanding defined benefit pension scheme; Corporate bonus scheme and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities and women. UKAEA is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success.

This vacancy is due to close on 20/01/2023  and will close earlier with sufficient numbers of applications.

All employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Disclosure Certificate application as part of their clearance – The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will show the details of all current criminal convictions.

When applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If the country you are resident in or have resided in is not listed on this website or that the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state then we are unable to process your application.