By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in taking a leading role in a team contributing 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 (Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative) that capture the spirit of how we work.

Who are we looking for?

UKAEA have a vacancy for Principal Systems Engineer to join a team of Systems Engineers working at UKAEA on nuclear fusion related projects across the whole lifecycle from pre-concept / feasibility studies through to the delivery of cutting edge facilities for fusion technology development.

You will lead and contribute to the provision of professional Systems Engineering services across a range of UKAEA projects and in collaboration with our international partners.

You will require knowledge and experience of leading the application of Systems Engineering; Experience of being an influential member of multi-disciplinary teams developing complex systems, and an ability to grasp an engineering concept to explore its wider implications; 

What will you be responsible for?

The role will provide hands-on Systems Engineering support to projects at all lifecycle stages, including to:

• Lead and manage the technical development of a system throughout the project lifecycle; 
• Ensure the delivery of assured products and services; 
• Research, elicit, capture, develop and manage requirements; 
• Define and manage verification and validation activities; 
• Define and manage interfaces; 
• Develop and maintain the functional and physical architectures / definitions of systems; 

As a result, you will:

• Be an active contributor to the development of genuinely world changing technology
• Enable the development of cutting edge nuclear fusion projects
• Work on a daily basis with world leading scientists and engineers

The initial focus of the work will be on the collaborative European DEMOnstration Power Plant (DEMO) project, that is in the process of developing a feasible concept for the design of one of the world’s first self-sufficient nuclear fusion power plants capable of delivering electricity to the grid.

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• Knowledge and experience of leading the application of Systems Engineering; 
• Experience of being an influential member of multi-disciplinary teams, developing complex systems;
• Relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject; 

Desirable skills, experience and competence

• Registration as Chartered Engineer;
• Membership of, or accreditation with, INCOSE (ASEP/CSEP)   
• Experience of implementing Model Based Systems Engineering techniques where appropriate
• Experience working in an organisation recognised for the application of Systems Engineering
• Experience of change management initiatives

What we offer

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive, an Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, Flexible working options including family friendly policies, Emergency paid leave, Generous annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with length of service, wide range of 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. The Executive team with support from our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, 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.

Please be advised that this vacancy is due to close on 20/01/2023. We may close earlier than this date if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received.

Please note 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 or will confirm that there are no such convictions.

Note for applicants who are 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.