Overview
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is developing fusion sustainable energy through the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme. The aim is to build a prototype fusion plant with first operations around 2040. Onsite work is expected 3 days per week, with flexible working options available. A full list of benefits is available at the UKAEA careers site. For more information on UKIFS, see the candidate recruitment pack and related resources referenced in this job posting.
Salary: £91,173 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + benefits, with closing date to apply stated as 25 September. Roles can be based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire.
The Role
The Head of Engineering Function is a core leadership role in UKIFS, leading a team of 10–12 with a budget of circa £1M and influencing a larger network of strategic and partner teams. You will set the functional direction of the programme within a systems engineering framework, maintain and evolve the engineering strategy, and foster a culture of 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 engage with four engineering-dominated IPTs (Tokamak Machine, Power & Cooling, Fuel Cycle, Tokamak Complex) and the Design Authority to enable engineers to deliver. As UKIFS is the Design Authority for STEP, you will manage a substantial portfolio of technical risk and ensure the Engineering organisation has the required capabilities, equipment, and resources at the right time to deliver a first-of-a-kind fusion power plant. Where systems have low technical readiness, you will evolve the function in line with plant design to meet Engineering needs and mitigate risks according to the engineering lifecycle stage. You will work with the PM team to monitor and validate progress against plan. This role requires the ability to thrive in uncertainty and ambiguity while building strong relationships as UKIFS grows, and to shape functional ways of working while pursuing new technologies and leadership opportunities in nuclear fusion. This role requires eligibility for SC Clearance (must have resided in the UK for the last 5 years), including DBS checks for criminal convictions.
Key focus
Engineering Strategy & Approach
* Own the overall Engineering strategy and oversee direction and delivery of the Engineering Function, ensuring alignment with the programme’s goals.
* Create a continuous improvement regime to identify new advancements and efficiencies and position UKIFS as a leader in Fusion Energy.
* Collaborate with the Head of Engineering Governance to implement the Engineering Management Framework and governance across the STEP programme.
* Support internal and external audits.
* Ensure consistency of approach across UKIFS and the STEP Whole Plant Partners (WPPs).
People & Resource
* Deliver strategic workforce planning for internal staff and external partners to ensure current and future skills.
* Develop an Engineering career framework, competency assessments, and training needs analyses for UKIFS and STEP where appropriate (across WPPs).
* Manage placements of UKIFS personnel on the programme and approve demand with Fusion, Engineering and Construction Partners.
* Resolve engineering resourcing issues and oversee Early Careers schemes within STEP.
* Collaborate with Professional Engineering Institutes to maximise memberships and influence training and events benefiting STEP and fusion.
Tools & Data
* Identify and report Engineering Management Information (MI), including performance and health metrics for internal teams and external partners.
* Define requirements for the Engineering toolset estate, including the PLM system.
* Exploit digital opportunities to enhance technical delivery performance.
Technical & Functional Services
* Develop and evolve the technical services needed to support Engineering teams.
* Oversee the Technical Coordinator Team, supporting meetings, data/document control, SharePoint, and PIMS user support/interface needs.
* Work with the Technical Coordinator Team Lead to evolve services in line with the engineering lifecycle.
Leadership & Delivery
* Ensure the programme has the right people, tools, infrastructure and data to operate efficiently across all STEP phases.
* Provide oversight of engineering functional delivery and represent Engineering in the wider organisation on topics such as Export Control, IP, and business change/transition.
* Set a culture of excellence, promote organised work practices, and encourage innovation.
* Collaborate with the Programme Manager for Engineering Capability to maintain the Integrated Master Schedule.
* Act as deputy for the Director of Engineering Programme when required and embody a leadership mindset and enterprise-friendly behaviours.
* Foster a respectful, diverse, and collaborative workplace and act as a cultural ambassador for the organisation’s values and professionalism.
* Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively with diverse perspectives and organisational goals.
Embody a Leadership Mindset
* Regardless of position, demonstrate leadership behaviours aligned with organisational culture, values and mission.
* Foster an inclusive team environment and contribute to diversity and teamwork.
* Represent the organisation’s values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
* Lead by example with integrity and ethical conduct and consider diverse perspectives in decision making.
The above is not an exhaustive list of activities; you may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks or duties.
Qualifications
Essential
* Chartered Engineer
* Degree in a STEM-related field
* Experience leading large Engineering teams
* Significant Programme/Engineering Management experience
* Strategic and innovative thinker with experience setting and delivering organisational strategy and implementing business plans collaboratively
* Strong stakeholder management and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
* Effective communication skills: articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, adapt style, resolve conflicts
* Understanding of the engineering lifecycle and capabilities required for successful delivery
* Proven ability to deliver continuous improvement
* Experience coordinating teams across multiple partners or businesses
* Adaptability 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 Systemes 3D Experience platform
* Experience in a design authority-supporting business
Additional Information
For more information on UKIFS visit the candidate recruitment pack. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and promote inclusion and diversity. This role requires BPSS, including DBS checks, and possibly a search of open-source data. For overseas applicants, see government guidance on criminal records checks. Vacancies are typically advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier. Please view current opportunities at Careers - STEP.
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