Overview
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Company Description
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; flexible working requests are supported. A full list of our benefits is available at the employer benefits page. For more information on UKIFS, visit the candidate recruitment pack. Eligibility for BPSS/DBS checks may apply as part of the recruitment process.
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: 25 days plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, plus UK bank holidays
* Career development opportunities
* A culture committed to equality and inclusion
The salary for this role is £91,173 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) plus benefits. The closing date to apply is 25 September. This UKIFS vacancy can be based at West Burton (Nottinghamshire) or Culham (Oxfordshire).
Further information on UKIFS is available in the candidate recruitment pack. The role is advertised with UKIFS as part of STEP, with further information available in the pack and on the CAREERS site.
Job Description
The Role: The Head of Engineering Function is a core leadership role within UKIFS. You will lead a team of 10–12 with a budget of circa £1M and indirectly lead a larger team of strategic and whole plant partners. You will oversee all Engineering functional support to UKIFS and the STEP programme, owning and setting the functional direction within a systems engineering framework and driving a culture of continuous improvement.
You will be accountable to the Director of Engineering Programme for Engineering Capability (People, Tools, Data, and Functional Services). You will work across the four engineering IPTs (Tokamak Machine, Power & Cooling, Fuel Cycle, Tokamak Complex) and the Design Authority to enable engineers to deliver. As Design Authority for STEP, you will manage a significant portfolio of technical risk and ensure the Engineering organisation has the capabilities and resources needed to deliver a first-of-a-kind fusion power plant. You will evolve the function in line with the plant design to mitigate risks in relation to the engineering lifecycle. Finally, you will work with the PM team to oversee progress to plan. This role requires eligibility for SC Clearance (must have resided in the UK for the last 5 years) and DBS checks.
Key focus:
* Engineering Strategy & Approach: Own the engineering strategy and direct delivery of the Engineering Function to align with programme goals; establish a continuous improvement regime; operationalise governance across STEP; support audits; ensure consistency across UKIFS and STEP Whole Plant Partners.
* People & Resource: Deliver strategic workforce planning for internal staff and external partners; develop an engineering career framework and training needs analyses; manage placement and demand with partners; resolve resourcing issues; oversee Early Careers schemes; engage with Professional Engineering Institutes to maximise memberships and training opportunities.
* Tools & Data: Identify and report engineering management information; define requirements for the engineering toolset estate including PLM; exploit digital opportunities to improve delivery performance.
* Technical & Functional Services: Define and evolve technical services to support engineering teams; oversee the Technical Coordinator Team and align services with the engineering lifecycle.
* Leadership & Delivery: Ensure the programme has the right people, tools, infrastructure and data; provide oversight of engineering delivery; represent Engineering within the organisation on topics such as Export Control, IP, and business change; promote a culture of excellence and collaborative working; manage Integrated Master Schedule; deputise for the Director of Engineering Programme as required; embody leadership behaviours and foster diversity and inclusion; maintain professional conduct and problem-solving capabilities.
Embody a Leadership Mindset: Demonstrate leadership behaviours, foster an inclusive team environment, act as a cultural ambassador, and lead by example with integrity and accountability.
The above is not an exhaustive list of activities; other reasonable tasks may be required.
Qualifications
Essential:
* Chartered Engineer
* Degree in a STEM field
* Experience leading large Engineering teams
* Significant Programme/Engineering Management experience
* Strategic thinker with experience delivering organisational strategy and plans
* Strong stakeholder management and ability to build diverse relationships
* Effective communication skills; ability to resolve conflicts
* Understanding of engineering lifecycle and capabilities for delivery
* Proven ability to deliver continuous improvement
* Experience coordinating across multiple partners or businesses
* Adaptable to change and uncertainty; entrepreneurial mindset
* Proven ability to inspire and motivate technical teams
Beneficial:
* Experience in emergent tech environments
* Experience delivering major programmes
* Experience with Dassault Systèmes 3D Experience
* Experience in a design authority environment
Additional Information
For more information on UKIFS visit the candidate recruitment pack. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage diversity and inclusion. This role requires BPSS, DBS checks, and possibly open-source data checks. For overseas applicants, see gov.uk guidance on criminal records checks. Vacancies are advertised for a limited time, typically 4 weeks, and may close earlier depending on applications. Other opportunities are listed on Careers - STEP.
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