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 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, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working. A full list of our benefits can be found here and for more information on UKIFS, visit the Candidate Recruitment Pack.
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
* Wide range of career development opportunities
* A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive
The salary for this role is £91,173 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + benefits. The closing date to apply is 25 September. This UKIFS vacancy can be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire. A full list of our benefits can be found in the Candidate Recruitment Pack.
For more information on UKIFS, visit the Candidate Recruitment Pack.
Job Description
The Role: The Head of Engineering Function is a core leadership role in UKIFS. You will lead a team of 10-12, with a budget of circa £1M, and work with a larger network of engineers and partners to oversee all Engineering Functional support to UKIFS and the STEP programme. You will set the functional direction of the programme within a systems engineering framework, evolve the engineering strategy, and drive continuous improvement.
You will be accountable to the Director of Engineering Programme for all elements of Engineering Capability (People, Tools, Data, and Functional Services). You will work across four engineering-dominated IPTs (Tokamak Machine, Power & Cooling, Fuel Cycle, Tokamak Complex) and the Design Authority to enable delivery. As Design Authority for STEP, you will manage a significant portfolio of technical risk and ensure the Engineering organisation has the right capabilities, resources, and timing to deliver a first-of-a-kind fusion power plant. You will evolve the function as needed to meet engineering needs and mitigate risks in line with the lifecycle phase. You will also work with the PM team to oversee progress to plan. This role requires eligibility for SC Clearance (UK residence for the last 5 years) including DBS checks for criminal convictions.
Key focus:
* Engineering Strategy & Approach: Own the overall Engineering strategy and ensure delivery aligns with programme goals; establish a continuous improvement regime to drive advancements and efficiencies; implement the Engineering Management Framework and governance across STEP; support audits; ensure consistency across UKIFS and STEP WPPs.
* People & Resource: Deliver strategic workforce planning for internal staff and external partners; create the Engineering career framework, competency assessments, and training needs analyses; manage placement and demand with partners; resolve resourcing issues; oversee Early Careers schemes; engage with PEIs 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 evolve services to match the engineering lifecycle.
* Leadership & Delivery: Ensure appropriate people, tools, infrastructure, and data; provide oversight of engineering delivery; represent Engineering in the organisation on topics like Export Control, IP, and change; foster a culture of excellence and collaboration; maintain Integrated Master Schedule; deputise for the Director of Engineering Programme; model leadership behaviours and promote diversity, inclusion, and professionalism.
Qualification & Selection
Essential:
* Chartered Engineer
* Degree in a STEM field
* Experience leading large engineering teams
* Significant programme/engineering management experience
* Strategic and innovative thinker with ability to set and deliver organisational strategy
* Strong stakeholder management with diverse, often competing, agendas
* Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
* Understanding of the engineering lifecycle and capabilities for successful delivery
* Proven ability to deliver continuous improvement
* Experience coordinating teams across multiple partners
* Adaptability and 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 platform
* Experience in a business that holds design authority
Additional Information
For more information on UKIFS visit the Candidate Recruitment Pack. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and promote inclusion. This role requires BPSS clearance and DBS checks, and overseas applicants should review UK government guidance on criminal records checks. Vacancies are typically advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier. See Careers - STEP for other opportunities.
Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full-time | Job function: Research
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