Overview
As part of the ongoing development of the Vacuum, Conditioning and Fuelling (VCF) team, we are seeking a dedicated and skilled Vacuum Engineer to play a vital role in the design, development, implementation, and management of VCF projects. You will be crucial in ensuring the successful delivery of projects, fostering collaboration, and advancing our VCF systems.
The VCF Team are responsible for, and the Vacuum Engineer role would be highly involved with the following systems.
* Vacuum (RV-UHV) Systems
* System Interfaces, Control & Instrumentation
* Vessel Conditioning, GDC, Boronisation, Bakeout
* UHP Gas Supply & Distribution
* Gas Fuelling, Gas Impurity Injection
* Frozen Pellet Injection
* Lithium Handling and Evaporation
* Surface Analysis, Material Deposition
* Material Outgassing Analysis
* VCF Vacuum Lab Project and Services
This work is continually evolving as we move through successive iterations and you will be expected to identify opportunities and risks as we progress, as well as driving them to resolution.
Opportunity also exists to train as a system operator and form a critical part of the experimental operations team.
Requirements
System Design and Implementation : The design and implementation of VCF systems. Collaborate with the team to develop innovative solutions that meet project specifications and requirements.
System Performance Optimisation Monitor and evaluate the performance of VCF systems. Identify areas for improvement and implement optimization strategies to enhance system efficiency and effectiveness.
Data Analysis and Reporting Collect and analyse data related to VCF projects. Assist with the preparation of detailed reports and presentations for stakeholders, highlighting key findings and progress. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and project improvements.
Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting Address technical challenges and issues that arise during project execution.
Safety and Compliance Promote and enforce a culture of safety within the VCF team.
Project Planning and Management Assist with the planning, execution, and completion of VCF projects.
Collaboration and Communication Work closely with colleagues and external partners to ensure the successful delivery of VCF projects
Future Trends and Innovation Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in the VCF field.
Requirements
* Engineering / physics / materials science degree or equivalent combinations of qualifications and work experience.
* Familiarity with vacuum & gas systems
* Practical experience relevant to a selection of below:
- UHV/UHP systems, especially for fusion applications. Pumping systems, metrology, chamber design & technology.
- Vacuum/gas system modelling, design & safety
- Materials selection for vacuum, outgassing & RGA analysis
- Hands-on troubleshooting / leak checking
- Developing scientific instrumentation
- Industrial scale heating systems
- Thin film deposition and surface analysis
- Gas / pellet injection systems
* Knowledge of process improvement
* Confident reading and interpreting technical and electrical drawings
* Active listening and communication
* Time & resource management
* Highly flexible and adaptable
Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties
This job may include the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our occupational health service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:
* Working at height (ladders, scissor lifts, cherry pickers & scaffolding)
* Working with ionising radiation
* Regular manual handling
* Working with electricity (LV & HV)
* Work with cryogenic fluids including liquid nitrogen
* Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields
* Working with materials that are managed under the control of substances hazardous to health regulations (COSHH)
Benefits
* Salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
* 28 days (inclusive of festive break) holiday plus bank holidays
* Eligible for discretionary performance related bonus
* Share options scheme
* Pension scheme
* Financial benefits – including; group life insurance, critical illness, health cash plan and discount scheme
* Innovation and Merit bonuses
* Investment in training and development to support career progression
* Opportunity to work on and contribute to world class innovation
Company background
What if there was a limitless, safe, clean, low-cost energy source, providing much needed global energy security? What if that energy source could also help address climate change? The answer is fusion energy – the power of the stars. Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford with have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion.
In addition to fusion, Tokamak Energy is recognised as a world leader in transformative High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on enabling new levels of performance and becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets, including renewable energy, medicine, science and propulsion in water, land, air and space.
The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from UK Atomic Energy Authority, currently employs a growing team of over 260 people with experts from the UK and around the world. It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities. The company has more than 75 families of patent applications and has raised $335 million, comprising $275m from private investors and $60m from the UK and U.S. governments. Our U.S. subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.
Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable fusion energy for all.
Important information for candidates
Pre-employment screening
Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.
Data privacy
Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see:
Equality of opportunity
Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.