Overview
Join to apply for the Systems Engineering Manager - UKIFS role at 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 the 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, with flexible working options available.
The salary for this role is £77,239 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus excellent benefits, including a strong pension. The vacancy can be based at West Burton (Nottinghamshire) or Culham (Oxfordshire). A full list of benefits is available in the employer information.
The closing date to apply is 20 October. Applications from outside the UK or from applicants who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years will be considered in accordance with criminal records checks guidance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the systems engineering capability for the STEP programme and ensure integration of plant-wide systems to deliver a robust, cohesive design.
* Drive the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) within a pioneering fusion context, shaping how fusion power plants are designed and delivered.
* Define and oversee the plant-level system architecture and ensure seamless integration across major systems and IPTs.
* Decompose and trace requirements from plant-level to subsystem level, ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
* Manage interface definitions and resolve technical conflicts to maintain design integrity.
* Facilitate technical design reviews and trade-off studies to evaluate alternatives and optimise performance.
* Act as the technical authority for system-level decisions and guide integration and design resolution across the programme.
* Develop and articulate a clear MBSE vision for the STEP programme; lead the development of system models and engineering deliverables for the whole plant and major systems.
* Drive organisational and technical change to embed MBSE across the engineering lifecycle and promote consistent modelling practices.
* Improve MBSE capabilities, tools, and workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.
* Provide line management and leadership for the Design Authority’s systems engineering team; support professional development and ensure high-quality system models and outputs.
* Develop a consistent systems engineering strategy across the STEP programme and align practices with broader engineering standards.
* Lead the development of tools, processes, and procedures to support systems engineering across all IPTs; define and deliver a training and development strategy.
* Foster a leadership mindset with curiosity, creativity, resilience, inclusivity, and integrity; uphold professional and ethical standards.
Qualifications
Essential
* Relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject.
* Proven engineering leader with experience managing systems engineering teams.
* Experience applying systems engineering to large, complex, multi-disciplinary programmes.
* Direct experience in system architecture and design; technical decision-making and trade-off analysis.
* Strong communication and influencing skills; comfortable working across organisational boundaries.
* Chartered Engineer status.
Beneficial
* MBSE experience, familiarity with SYS-ML.
* Experience with whole lifecycle systems engineering.
* Experience in regulated or safety-critical industries; stakeholder engagement in complex environments.
* Membership or accreditation with INCOSE.
Additional Information
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage diversity and inclusion. The organisation promotes EDI practices and inclusive recruitment. This role requires completing an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check, including DBS checks where applicable. For overseas applicants, refer to gov.uk guidance on criminal records checks.
For more information on UKIFS and life at UKAEA, visit the provided links in the original advert.
Job location and seniority: Executive, Full-time, Research Services sector.
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