Senior Power and Cooling Engineer - UKIFS

STEP Fusion

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

For more information on UKIFS, visit: UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

As an employee of UKIFS you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders,
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £56,596.00 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

The closing date to apply for this position is the 27th November 2025

This UKIFS vacancy will be based at our site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

For more information on UKIFS, visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf

Job Description

Fusion energy offers the potential for significant quantities of low-carbon, inherently safe, abundantly fuelled, baseload energy, supporting sustainable climate action and energy independence. While the technical challenge remains high, confidence is increasing, and the rewards of realising fusion are almost incalculable. Anticipated to come online for commercial purposes in the middle of this century, fusion offers a viable means to sustainable net zero in the UK and globally, as well as to increased energy security. The UK is currently a world leader in fusion research and development and in the drive to realise commercially viable energy from fusion, a sector with an estimated value of £tns per year.



STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK’s flagship national programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to commercial viability of fusion. STEP is deliberately bold and ambitious and seeks people who want to be part of a world-changing endeavour and who have credible and relevant experiencing in delivery.



STEP is currently led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, which has breadth and depth of expertise in fusion science, engineering and operations built over decades. Over the next year, leadership will transition to a new Company, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS) to focus on the delivery of the prototype and, in so doing, the development of a fusion supply chain. From the next government investment gate, UKIFS will lead a collaborative team of industrial Whole Plant Partners who bring expertise in engineering and construction, plus UKAEA who will remain as strategic Partner providing fusion expertise

The Role:

You will be a core member of the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team, directly reporting to the Head Of Engineering – Power & Cooling. In this role you will be primarily supporting the design efforts of the STEP Prototype Powerplant by providing core expertise and capability of the systems interfacing with the tokamak. Namely you will support the design, as the Mechanical Subject Matter Expert, for key pipework, heat exchangers, and rotating machinery within the systems that circulate coolant, manage and extract heat, and generate power. As the mechanical SME you will also support the Power & Cooling team with engineering governance and assurance, by providing key insight into codes & standards, processes and procedures. Finally, you will support both internal and external interfaces to help us ensure goal alignment and delivery. By supporting the Power & Cooling area you will contribute to a deliverable design which will ultimately ensure SPP’s ability to convert thermal power into electrical power that can be supplied to the grid, for the first time from a fusion energy source.

Accountability 1: Mechanical Subject Matter Expert

• Act as the main point of contact in the team regarding all matters relating to mechanical design. 
• Accountable for the mechanical integrity and manufacturability of the Power & Cooling system and sub system designs.
• Accountable for material selection and testing of key components interfacing with the tokamak and within Power & Cooling.
• Provide key modelling capability of mechanical designs (from 1D analysis to CFD and beyond into future digital twins) supporting development of tools used for analysis.
• Conduct the development, improvement and dissemination of internal design and analysis procedures, methods and skills in the technical fields associated with Power & Cooling mechanical designs.
• Identify technology shortfalls and conceptualise, plan and propose appropriate R&D activities or projects to ensure that technical risk is managed and to make strides in technical capability or efficiency.
• Define, plan and execute strategic goals for successful delivery of Power & Cooling technical projects involving mechanical design.
• Lead in raising the standard for competences and be proactive in defining new systems or processes that enhance the productivity of the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team or the wider organisation.

Accountability 2: Leading and supporting design efforts

• Lead and deliver the design of major fusion sub-systems, from concept through to detailed design on enhancement programs for STEP and the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team. Develop and lead the execution of technical engineering plans, resource plans, FMECAs and risk assessments, as part of such tasks.
• Accountable for the mechanical design of key components within power and cooling, namely complex piping systems, heat exchangers and rotating machinery.
• Accountable for originating and progressing designs from concept through to detailed design within STEP Power & Cooling, especially for the development of mechanical aspects of the design and the technology development programmes required.
• Accountable for engineering analyses using classic and numerical methods to support design studies. Ensure that detail designs are appropriately validated (by computation or experiment), working with engineering analysts as necessary, and ensure appropriate adherence to international and fusion-specific design standards.
• Select and implement systems engineering tools and processes in order to ensure design is conducted within a systems engineering framework appropriate to the task.
• Act as arbitrator on technical conflicts within the design solution remit.

Accountability 3: External and internal engagement

• Lead the technical delivery of projects including those involving an international customer and/or international collaborators or suppliers.
• Originate technical specifications and tender documentation for a wide range of fusion sub-systems and components.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for UKIFS by forging links and partnerships with academic and industrial bodies outside of UKIFS.

Accountability 4: Engineering governance and assurance

• Develop and supervise the approach to codes and standards to be used for the mechanical design of the power & cooling area
• Act as a main interface between the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team and the engineering governance/assurance functions
• Provide key insight into the codes and standards used as well as the appropriate legislation and regulation for the Power & Cooling Integrate Project Team
• Lead the development of appropriate processes, procedures, and guidance for high pressure mechanical system designs and ensure design outputs adhere to these
• Critically assess designs for deliverability
• Ensure a safe design which adheres to the correct principles of asset protection determined by the programme

Accountability 5: Embody a Leadership Mindset

• Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours. You embrace and embody our organization's culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organizational goals.
• Supervise junior engineers and students, providing them with challenging projects, monitoring their progress and providing constructive feedback.
• Adhere to group and organisational management systems.
  
  

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience:

• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent
• Extensive experience of complex engineering projects.
• Proven experience of developing and delivering complex mechanical components, namely heat exchangers, rotating equipment and complex pipework arrangements
• Excellent understanding of codes, standards, legislation and regulation linked to the development of complex high pressure components; and experience working to design standards and design codes.
• Excellent knowledge of structural and thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics and engineering materials.
• Proven capability in engineering analysis and a good working knowledge of engineering materials and their properties
• Ability to perform exploratory design calculations using first principles
• Broad and deep understanding of design, manufacture, test, operate and related engineering processes, practices, current standards and industry best-practice
• Strategic and innovative thinker
• Good communication and technical writing skills
• Good knowledge of power generation design and technology
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable commitment to working in compliance with modern Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality Assurance standards

Desirable Experience:

• Chartered status with a suitable professional institution
• Experience with fusion-relevant environmental factors such as vacuum systems, particle loads, transient magnetic fields and irradiation damage, preferred
• Experience in developing designs for the fusion industry; as well as developing designs for: nuclear environments, power generating systems and powerplants
• Proven experience of managing external contracts up to £1 million.
• Proven experience of managing teams up to 5 individuals.
• Experience in designing, commissioning and operating high pressure systems up to 300 bar.
• Understanding of modern project management tools and a willingness to adopt organisational approaches to project management
  
  

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.



UKIFS is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.



This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKIFS.



For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.



Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications. We may consider your application for future positions or similar positions within the organisation.



We have a number of exceptional opportunities available at the moment, to view them all please visit Careers - STEP.