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. 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 experience in delivery.
STEP is led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, which has breadth and depth of expertise in fusion science, engineering and operations. 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 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: We’re looking for an Engineering Safety Manager to lead the safety strategy for the STEP programme—ensuring safety is embedded from concept to decommissioning. You’ll work across engineering teams to make safety a core design principle, not just a compliance task. You’ll drive accountability at all levels, integrate modern safety practices (including occupational health and sustainability), and build strong relationships with regulators. Your work will ensure hazards are identified early, risks are managed effectively, and the STEP prototype is delivered safely.
Accountabilities
* Lead the UKIFS Engineering Safety function
o Develop and implement the Safety Strategy in support of the STEP prototype plant;
o Engage with HSE and EA (as our regulators) to develop and agree the safety requirements for the STEP prototype plant;
o Develop, manage, and coach the assurance and safety teams, ensuring the organisation structure, technical and behavioural competencies exist to enable delivery;
o Provide oversight and management information of Safety matters via Programme and Project boards, challenging performance as appropriate;
o Act as advisor to the UKIFS senior leadership on High hazard Safety management and safety case regulatory compliance issues from an engineering and safety perspective.
* Provide Clear Guidance On Safety Requirements
o Ensure consistent and robust delivery of safety that is fully integrated into the engineering across the programme, through communication of a clear strategy that will develop and evolve with the programme;
o Drive assurance, technical and safety teams in the development of tools, processes and procedures for use across programme;
o Develop a proactive continuous improvement safety case culture, engaging with key stakeholders both in design teams, and operational facilities;
o Manage safety awareness, training and development strategy;
* Craft and advocate compelling safety cases
o Develop safety case arguments that convincingly demonstrate risk reduction and regulatory compliance, blending technical rigour with innovative well-structured reasoning;
o Lead persuasive discussions to present, defend and adapt these cases with regulators, senior leadership and technical teams anticipating stakeholder concerns and counterarguments and engaging diverse stakeholders to build consensus and confidence.
* Represent UKIFS Safety both internally and externally
o Work with senior leadership, government and external regulatory bodies to establish a safety framework fit for a future fusion industry;
o Act as a role model and provide technical knowledge, expertise and advice to the organisation, Directors and relevant committees in Safety Matters in accordance with regulation and relevant good practice;
o Externally represent UKIFS in relevant, high impact forums, benchmarking and keeping pace with emerging industry trends to enhance the effectiveness of UKIFS Safety activities.
* Embody a Leadership Mindset
o Embody our organization’s culture, values and mission in all aspects of work; foster a positive and inclusive team environment; promote diversity and teamwork;
o Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our values and professionalism; lead by example with integrity, professionalism and ethical behaviour;
o Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.
Qualifications
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Degree Level Science or Engineering Qualification (or equivalent experience)
* Chartered member with relevant engineering institution
* Deep demonstrable experience developing safety cases for high hazard and/or technically complex programmes, within highly regulated or safety-critical industries
* Broad Subject Matter Expert in Engineering Safety with in-depth engineering design knowledge
* Integrated Plant knowledge both engineering and Construction – broadest engineering platforms
* Demonstrable skill in developing and presenting structured, evidence-based safety justifications through engagement with internal and external stakeholders – especially regulators
* Highly developed organisational awareness, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence, persuade and communicate with people at all levels within the organisation and regulatory bodies
* Major stakeholder Engagement with government and key regulatory bodies to positively influence and persuade industry authorities
Desirable Experience:
* Fellow of relevant engineering institution (or working towards)
* Track record of creative problem solving in ambiguous or innovative environments
* Experience of full lifecycle for technical complex plant systems within major programmes
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 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. This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including DBS checks. There is a possibility of 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, please visit UK government guidance on criminal records checks. 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 within the organisation. This role can be based at sites including West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire.
To view other opportunities, visit Careers - STEP.
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