Development Engineer

Are you an experienced engineer or scientist with a background in finding innovative solutions to complex problems?

Do you have an interest in contributing to the development of abundant, safe and carbon-free electricity for a cleaner planet?

If so, The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has an exciting opportunity for a development engineer or scientist to apply their knowledge and experience to creating solutions for systems exposed to some of the harshest environments possible. Forming part of the Engineering Realisation Group, you will be responsible for developing and leading complex projects, including the advancement of tritium experiments and process plants in collaboration with UK industry, academia and national institutes.

You will work as part of a creative team of scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds, whose focus is on delivering practical solutions, to enable fusion power. Key areas of responsibility will include:

- Drive projects that may cover low Technology Readiness Level concepts through working with commercial off-the-shelf products, to the life extension of installations
- Use experience to provide state-of-the-art knowledge to UKAEA design engineers and technologists, recommending experimental solutions as needed and driving development in your areas of expertise
- Key role/leading the planning, delivery and evaluation of complex experimental projects that address prototyping and verification of experimental systems and plants and the effects of harsh environments on performance
- Oversee small multi-disciplinary teams (up to 5 engineers, scientists and technicians) involving internal and external personnel, assuring the quality and safety of these activities
- Propose secure funding and contribute to delivery of novel projects aligned with the internal strategy (e.g. EUROFUSION PPPT, Enabling Research, EPSRC, PhD, Master’s placements, graduate placements, Horizon 2020)
- Work with external collaborators (including universities, public sector research establishments and industry in fusion and related fields) to create links in order to complement UKAEA`s internal capability, offer access to additional expert knowledge and to facilitate new project proposals

At UKAEA, we strive to make everyone feel welcome and fully supported. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particular from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities, (visible and hidden) and women. Our Inclusion Ambassadors are actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the organisation to help make our organisation an employer of choice. UKAEA has a graded career structure and our mentoring scheme will enable you to reach your true potential.

The UKAEA hosts and manages the JET nuclear fusion energy experiment on behalf of the EU and is also home to the UK`s MAST-U fusion energy experiment. UKAEA also works with industry and other third parties to develop new technologies currently in Remote Handling and Materials research. Following recent UK funding, two new centres of excellence in tritium fuel handling and component testing and validation are being built. The culture at UKAEA promotes research, innovation and leading-edge technological excellence, whilst investing in people.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential
- Degree or higher in engineering, physics, chemistry, technology or a similar science
- Highly self-motivated and demonstrates initiative
- Demonstrated experience in implementation of specialist science/engineering skills
- Background or experience of multi-disciplinary R&D or industry-based programmes
- Demonstrable ability to manage work packages
- Knowledge and experience of preparing research proposals and/or project planning
- Experience of developing complex equipment or experiments
- Understanding of governance, H&S and compliance issues

Desirable
- Knowledge of issues affecting material and component performance in harsh environments
- Experience of overseeing technicians, junior staff and/or students
- Possession or progress towards accreditation with a professional body (e.g. CEng)

Selection Methods and Notes:

- As part of the selection process, you may be expected to complete a personality profile either online or onsite.

- Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received.

- Please note, UKAEA do not pay travel expenses for interviews.

- We actively promote equality and value diversity in our workforce. We operate a number of flexible working arrangements (such as part-time working/job share/home working). Flexible working may be available with this role.

- 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.

APPLICATIONS ARE WELCOME FROM LESS EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES SEEKING CAREER DEVELOPMENT WHO FULFIL THE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR THE ROLE ATTRACTING A SALARY RANGE OF £35,486 - £37,924 (L4 INCLUSIVE OF MPP) OR £49,208 - £51,385 (L5 INCLUSIVE OF MPP).YOUR LEVEL WILL BE ASSESSED AT INTERVIEW.