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.

Who are we looking for?

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Engineering Analyst with a good working knowledge of structural and thermal engineering, solid mechanics and engineering materials to get involved in a range of projects with differing engineering analysis requirements. You will have experience in the application of Computer Aided Simulation techniques and this role will include work in the confinement and plasma shaping area of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme. 

To be successful you will have previous experience with relevant environmental factors such as vacuum and transient magnetic field and you must have exceptional interpersonal skills with good technical writing skills. This is a perfect opportunity to take ownership to achieve quality outcomes, working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders. You must also have an passion for finding creative ways to change, solve problems and push scientific and technical boundaries.

What will you be responsible for?

• Carrying out mechanical engineering design activities, including the design of magnets, with an emphasis on tasks requiring computer aided engineering (CAE) tools to simulate design functionality and qualify performance.
• Using and developing calculation tools and classical methods to evaluate design concepts.
• Writing new analysis code and undertake code testing and validation work to enhance capability of existing analysis platforms.
• Creating FE models and use them to explore, optimise and verify performance of design concepts.
• Leading teams of analysts in system wide simulation.
• Writing and reviewing technical reports.
• Supervising colleagues to assist them in developing key skills.

Please note that you may be asked to work in radiation controlled areas or in beryllium controlled areas. Full training and medical assessments will be provided if this is necessary.

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent.
• Expertise in the application of Computer Aided Simulation techniques.
• Experience with relevant environmental factors such as vacuum and transient magnetic fields.
• Good working knowledge of structural and thermal engineering, solid mechanics and engineering materials.
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• An innovative approach to work, seeking creative ways to change, solve problems and push scientific and technical boundaries.
• Ability to work cooperatively to achieve the best possible result. Demonstrating a ‘can do’ approach which delivers ‘fit for purpose’ quality.

Desirable skills, experience and competence

• Experience with working to design standards.
• Leading teams and supervising other staff.
• A passion for nurturing science and technological excellence, remaining determined, flexible and positive to the challenges we face.
• Experience of taking ownership to achieve quality outcomes.

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. Our dedicated ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) partner, with the support from our 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 17th March 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.