By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today, at the same time there are sectors where electrification may not be the best route to decarbonisation. 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 plants with the aim of producing fusion energy which can bring electricity to the grid and enable hard to decarbonise sectors to achieve net zero emissions.

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?

As the Fusion Engineering Business Analyst you will play a key role in providing a strategic perspective to UKAEA on credible future energy system scenarios and the roles that commercial fusion reactors could play.

To succeed in this role you will have a comprehensive understanding of decarbonised energy systems and  the key technologies which may be deployed to achieve a net zero future. You will have the ability to define and articulate a range of applications that a commercial fusion reactor could fulfil in future energy systems, mapping potential trajectories that could be followed to achieve these. Degree qualified within a STEM subject (or equivalent) with the ability to influence and lead multi-disciplinary teams are essential as is the ability to effectively communicate technical information to a wide audience.

What will you be responsible for?

You will work closely with the rest of the commercial pathway team and wider commercial and programme development pillar of the STEP programme to define the pathway to commercialisation of fusion within the context of a wider decarbonised energy system.

Accountabilities will include:

• Defining and articulating a range of applications that a commercial fusion reactor could fulfil in future energy systems and mapping potential trajectories that could be followed to achieve these.
• Maintaining an awareness of the evolving projected future energy system scenarios, related technologies developments and innovations as we progress through the energy transition and determining the implications for the STEP programme
• Leading the investigation of which technology choices can maximise the market penetration of commercial fusion.
• Providing input to the business case development for funding of the multibillion-pound STEP programme through to its completion targeted for 2040.
• Providing technical mentorship and coaching to less experienced members of the commercial pathway team and the wider STEP programme
• Collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Producing and peer reviewing technical reports, and papers and presenting within the programme and at a range of domestic and international fora.

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• Chartered Engineer, Business Analyst or equivalent
• A relevant STEM degree or equivalent
• A track record of taking thought leadership roles in multi-disciplinary teams, developing complex systems
• Comprehensive understanding of decarbonised energy systems
• Thorough understanding of the key technologies which may be deployed to achieve a net zero future, underpinned by greater technical depth in one or more of these areas
• Clear examples of advanced influencing skills 
• Proven ability to effectively communicate technical information to a wide range of audiences
• Able to quickly grasp the basics of an engineering concepts and explore wider implications

Desirable skills, experience and competence

• Energy systems modelling experience
• Demonstrable ability to deal with ambiguity, presenting a clear and coherent vision
• Experience of emerging or disruptive technologies
• Ability to train, coach and develop indirect reports

What we offer

• A competitive salary  
• A culture committed to being fully inclusive, supported by a Being Inclusive Strategy and Inclusion Ambassadors 
• An Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, with a full calendar of health and wellbeing initiatives 
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies  
• Emergency leave (paid) 
• 30.5 days annual leave (including privilege days and 3 days between Christmas and New Year) increased with length of service 
• Wide range of career development opportunities (e.g professional registration, internal promotions, coaching and mentoring programme)  
• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme  
• Annual corporate bonus scheme  
• 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, (visible and hidden) and women. The Executive team with support from our EDI ‘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. We are easily accessible by car and are a 10-minute walk from Culham Railway Station in Oxfordshire.

Please be advised that this vacancy is due to close on  5th November 2021. 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 (convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) or will confirm that there are no such convictions.