Technical Risk Manager – UKIFS
Join to apply for the Technical Risk Manager – UKIFS role at STEP Fusion within the UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). UKIFS leads the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, aiming to build a prototype fusion plant with first operations around 2040.
This role will be based in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
As an employee of UKIFS you will benefit from:
* Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
* 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 inclusivity
The salary for this role is £56,596.00 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus excellent benefits, including an outstanding pension.
The closing date to apply for this position is the 8th December 2025.
Job Description
As a Technical Risk Manager, you’ll lead the identification and management of technical risks across multi‑disciplinary teams, support design decisions, manage technical conservatism, and ensure risks are escalated and aligned with STEP’s evolving design phases. This is a hands‑on, strategic role for someone with strong engineering foundations, systems thinking, and a passion for shaping the future of sustainable energy.
Key Responsibilities
* Bridge detailed design work with a systems‑level view of the STEP Prototype Plant (SPP), identify and communicate technical risks early and clearly.
* Support Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) in options analysis, risk‑based trade‑offs, and justification of design proposals through leadership in engineering risk identification.
* Ensure a pragmatic and consistent approach to technical conservatism, aligning all engineering areas with a shared understanding of acceptable technical risk.
* Create and maintain high‑quality, traceable risk artefacts within the STEP PLM environment.
* Provide clear, objective, and actionable risk reporting into dashboards, reviews, and governance forums for a variety of technical and programme stakeholders.
* Collaborate with Programme and Project risk managers to share technical risk for handling and incorporating into the wider STEP risk package.
* Lead the development and implementation of technical risk management approaches, manage risks from technical complexity, regulatory, material selection, etc.
* Define and embed processes that support consistent identification, documentation, and mitigation of technical risk across IPTs.
* Leverage data within the PLM ecosystem to ensure technical risk is visible, actionable, and traceable.
* Implement and maintain risk registers and associated artefacts within the STEP PLM solution.
* Lead the delivery of engineering risk activities with design teams, supporting internal assessments, reviews, and other activities.
* Structure and facilitate risk workshops, assumption reviews, and design assurance activities as part of a structured lifecycle approach to risk management.
* Identify whole‑plant risks, work with senior engineering stakeholders to manage resolution or escalation, and identify risks that may impact project/programme schedules.
* Promote a culture of early risk identification, evidence‑based risk acceptance, and no surprises.
* Embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
* Represent the organisation’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 organisational goals.
* Supervise junior engineers and students, providing them with challenging projects, monitoring their progress, and delivering constructive feedback.
* Adhere to group and organisational management systems.
Qualifications
Essential Skills and Experience
* A degree or equivalent experience in Engineering or Risk Management.
* Deep understanding of risk management methods.
* Knowledge of programme risk management, techniques and interfaces.
* Delivery of engineering projects using PLM tools.
* Ability to shape and define processes and systems from first principles.
* Experience working in a diverse multi‑partner organisation.
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
Desirable Experience
* Experience in systems‑thinking approaches to engineering.
* Experience in a complex engineering design environment such as aerospace, defence, automotive or process industry.
* Experience in proactive engineering management techniques (e.g., Advanced Product Quality Planning).
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. UKIFS is committed to accessibility and encourages candidates to contact talent@ukifs.uk for assistance or adjustments during the recruitment process. This role requires completion of an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. While not currently required, an SC clearance may be needed in the future, and holders can transfer their clearance to UKIFS.
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those with recent residence outside the UK, please review the UK Government guidance on criminal record checks. This role is advertised for up to four weeks but may close earlier if applications exceed the expected volume. Although this vacancy has closed, future opportunities may be considered.
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