Remote Handling Operations Engineer

About the job

Remote Handling Operations Engineer
Abingdon Rd, Culham, UK
Full-time
Department: RACE Operations
Salary: £36,397 to £38,620 (inclusive of MPP) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Confirmed Grade: Level 4
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire

Company Description

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.

Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) is based at Culham, within UKAEA, specialising in remote handling and automated systems. There has never been a more exciting time to join UKAEA. We are growing rapidly as an organisation.

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.

Job Description

Who are we looking for?

As the Remote Handling (RH) Operations Engineer you will be involved in a wide range of projects within RACE. You will support Senior RH Operations Engineers with the specification, verification, and development of remote handling solutions with a particular focus on the final end-user and operator perspective. You will also perform analysis and reporting on concept designs using virtual reality or CAD studies to confirm suitability and will recommend improvements to optimise the design.

The RH Operations Engineer will be part of an operations team for finalising and implementing major new remote handling tasks on the JET tokamak or other facility. This includes assisting in the supervision of an operations shift team of highly trained staff using a Remote Handling System.

What will you be responsible for?

- You will work independently to develop and apply safe operational methods on remote handling equipment, from standard robots through to concept and first-of-a-kind remote systems, with minimal guidance.
- Ensure the completion of assigned work packages to agreed timescales, contributing as a team member on a range of project sizes including external and commercial contracts.
- Design validation using CAD and virtual reality: completing analysis and providing reports; with brief review and approval by senior colleague.
- Specification of requirements for physical and virtual mock-ups, identifying appropriate tools & methodologies.
- Report and present Remote Handling compatibility assessments, acting as a specialist remote handling advisor to other stakeholders.
- Review and recommend design improvements and enhancements to equipment and tooling to maximise equipment performance.
- You will be qualified to operate the full range of JET remote handling equipment, or similar systems (after training).
- Specification and issue of sequence descriptions and remote handling operating procedures using the RH Operation Documentation System and related Human Machine Interfaces.
- Deputise in the shift management of remote handling and manual operations.
- Deputise in the supervision of operating personnel during all remote handling operations.
- Support other RACE departments on early / concept remote handling tasks and provide support and expert knowledge for cell commissioning and initial operations.
- Assist in the mentoring and development of less experienced Operations Engineers.

This role may include work in Beryllium and Radiation controlled areas. All necessary training and registration for this will be provided by United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

The JET shutdown operations are staffed in shifts during shutdown preparation and operation. (Not full-time shift work. On average about 25% of the year). You will either work shifts or be on call as required. Typical shift pattern when in remote operations are 06:00–15:30 for 2 weeks, one week on base hours (37.5 hours) and 15:15-01:15 for 2 weeks.

Qualifications

Essential skills, qualifications and experience

- Recognised qualification in engineering at HND level (or equivalent) OR equivalent practical experience.
- Previous experience in supervising technician level staff.
- Experience in generating formal operations documentation or working within a highly regulated environment.
- An understanding of Written Safe System of Work and its use to control plant and personnel risks.
- Ability to work as part of a team.

Desirable skills, qualifications and experience

- Experience in the operation of remote handling robotic equipment and tools would be beneficial, however training will be provided.
- EngTech registration.
- Experience of Virtual Reality models or CAD.

Additional Information

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 20/09/2022. 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 the UK Government website. 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.