Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000

Job description

Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling
FUNCTION: Technical
GRADE: L7
REPORTING TO: UKIFS Director of Engineering Programme
Location: West Burton or Culham
Employment Type: Permanent

Company Description:
The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd., a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through the design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKIFS is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with the industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKIFS, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. Join UKIFS and the STEP programme to be involved in this groundbreaking journey.

Join the Pioneering Frontier of Fusion Energy!
Are you ready to shape the future of energy? Become part of an ambitious global effort to revolutionise power generation as the Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling with UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS).

Job Description:
As an employee of UKIFS, you will benefit from:

1. Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
2. Corporate bonus scheme of up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible).
3. Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
4. Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
5. Emergency paid leave and a generous annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with length of service.
6. Wide range of career development opportunities.
7. A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive.

We offer a competitive salary which includes excellent benefits and an outstanding pension.

The Role
As the Head of Engineering – Power and Cooling, you will drive the engineering and integration of critical power and cooling systems within the STEP prototype. These systems include Tokamak cooling, cryogenic cooling, thermal power transfer, power conversion, heat rejection, electrical power management, and grid connection.

You will:
Lead Engineering Excellence:

1. Direct a team of engineers and strategic partners, promoting innovation and excellence.
2. Oversee a growing budget (starting at £3M) while ensuring timely, high-quality delivery aligned with STEP’s ambitious goals.
3. Shape the technical strategy for low-TRL systems, setting design standards and integrating cutting-edge technologies.

Foster Integration and Collaboration:

1. Manage interdependencies between power and cooling systems and the wider STEP plant.
2. Act as the intelligent client, liaising with government, regulatory bodies, and Whole Plant Partners to deliver effective, coherent solutions.

Champion Innovation and Risk Management:

1. Drive continuous improvement, leveraging digital tools such as PLM systems and virtual twins to enhance performance.
2. Identify and mitigate technical risks, ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards.

Build the Future of Fusion:

1. Set the design direction for novel cooling and power systems, enabling efficient energy transfer and grid integration.
2. Lead by example, fostering a culture of curiosity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Qualifications:
Essential Skills & Experience:
Technical Expertise:

1. A degree in a STEM-related field (with Chartered Engineer status).
2. Proven success in delivering complex, high-tech engineering projects in a regulated environment.
3. Deep understanding of power generation, cooling systems, thermal power transfer, and electrical power management.
4. Familiarity with National Grid requirements and power system interdependencies.
5. Expertise in system engineering methodologies, including design for low-TRL systems.

Strategic Vision and Innovation:

1. Demonstrated ability to set and deliver organisational strategies aligned with long-term goals.
2. Experience leveraging digital transformation tools, including PLM systems and digital twins, to optimise performance.
3. Proven ability to identify new technologies, efficiencies, and advancements in energy system design.

Leadership and Collaboration:

1. Inspirational leadership style with a proven ability to co-ordinate interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists.
2. Strong communication skills, capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels, resolving conflicts, and building consensus.
3. Experience in building partnerships across consortia, industry, and government.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving:

1. Ability to thrive in ambiguity, embrace evolving technologies, and lead in emergent environments.
2. Strong track record of managing technical risk and delivering innovative solutions in high-pressure settings.

Desirable Attributes:

1. Experience in nuclear, aerospace, or other high-regulation industries.
2. Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques or materials science as applied to energy systems.
3. Familiarity with public-private partnerships and international collaboration.

Additional Information:
We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation.

Please note: 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 or similar positions within the organisation.