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. As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values (Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative) that capture the spirit of how we work.

Who are we looking for?

This Manufacturing Engineer/Scientist role will help lead the delivery of advanced manufacturing technology solutions in delivering viable components which can then be qualified and certified for use in the demanding operating conditions of a fusion tokamak.

Key behaviours and competences include:

• Providing specialist technical knowledge and direction in the field of advanced manufacturing processes
• Supporting projects at all stages from establishing the initial outline requirements, through the design and implementation phases to the verification that the final delivered solution meets the original intent and function required
• Developing collaborative public funding proposals with appropriate industrial supply chain organisations
• Deliver projects to developing collaborative consortia the satisfaction of the Customer (internal or external) within the imposed constraints.
• Leading project teams in best practice delivery development, leveraging internal and external networks.
• Specifying, plan and deliver robust testing and verification plans to evaluate manufacturing processes and the components produced.

What will you be responsible for?

• Using experience to provide state-of-the-art knowledge to UKAEA colleagues concerning advanced manufacturing and/or qualification, recommending solutions as needed and drive development in areas of expertise.
• Working within a team and acting as a technical lead on projects
• Contributing prominently to the development and positive reinforcement of UKAEA’s knowledge base in the area of materials, component manufacturing, testing and qualification.
• Proposing & securing funding and contribute to delivery of novel projects for Advanced Manufacturing aligned with internal strategy (e.g. Innovate UK, ITER, ESA, Horizon Europe, etc )
• Working with external collaborators (including universities, public sector research establishments and industry in fusion and related fields creating links in order to complement UKAEA's internal capability, offer access to additional expert knowledge and to facilitate new project proposals.
• Supervision of relevant junior staff (e.g. graduates, apprentices) and PhD projects
• Public presentations and representation of UKAEA at meetings and functions, external boards/representative bodies.

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• Degree, or preferably higher, in materials, metallurgy, engineering, or related science
• A broad range of materials related skills and experience as well as specialist knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas – manufacturing and processing of materials, additive manufacturing, NDT and in situ monitoring, welding and joining, design of experiments, qualification and certification.
• Demonstrable experience of component design activities in a manufacturing environment and at all stages of the design process (requirements, technical specification, concept design, detailed design, design reviews, procurement, etc) would be a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrable experience of additive manufacturing and advanced welding and joining techniques would be an advantage
• Demonstrable experience of NDT and associated inspection and monitoring technologies would be a distinct advantage.
• Highly self-motivated and demonstrates initiative
• Demonstrated experience in implementation and management of specialist science/ engineering skills in R&D programmes
• Background or experience of multi-disciplinary R&D programmes
• Good verbal and written communication and diplomatic skill
• Knowledge of issues affecting material and component performance in harsh environments desirable
• Knowledge and experience of preparing research proposals and/or project planning
• Experience of developing complex experiments and testing equipment
• Experience of overseeing technicians, junior staff and/or students preferred
• Possession of, or significant progress towards, accreditation with a professional body (e.g. CEng) preferred

What we offer

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 (up to 7% for Levels 1 - 7, as well as 3rd and 4th year apprentices) 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 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 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . 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.