Job Description
We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Chief Engineer to support the Chief Engineer in driving the design and development of the STEP Prototype Fusion Powerplant. This role is one of the most exciting engineering opportunities globally, given the unprecedented nature of this cutting-edge technology and its immense importance to the world and UK economy. The Design Authority holds overall accountability for technical risk and decisions related to the integrity, performance, and safety of product designs throughout their full lifecycle within the organisation or alliance.
Key Responsibilities:
* Whole Plant Design Vision: Define and own the overarching vision for the fusion power plant’s design. Establish high-level objectives and requirements to guide the system towards a high-performing, safe, and sustainable prototype.
* Integration and Design Integrity: Lead the seamless integration of functional, spatial, technological, and interdisciplinary aspects. Resolve conflicts, balance competing objectives, and ensure the plant achieves optimal performance.
* Technical Risk and Safety Management: Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate technical risks while taking calculated risks to optimise overall system performance. Prioritise safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in all design decisions.
* Early Design Concepts: Foster ingenuity and design flair by investigating and incubating early-stage concepts. Translate innovative ideas into concrete requirements, laying the foundation for the plant’s evolution.
* Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, coordinating teams across systems, materials, controls, and operations. Drive integrated decision-making that reflects the plant’s complex and emergent nature.
* Compliance and Scalability: Ensure the plant design meets industry standards, quality codes, and regulatory requirements. Focus on scalability and long-term viability as new technologies and operational needs emerge.
* Organisational Effectiveness: Oversee the day-to-day management of the Design Authority function, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and compliance with STEP Programme and UKIFS policies.
* Leadership Mindset: Embody positive leadership behaviours, fostering a supportive and dynamic team environment. Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization's values and professionalism.
Qualifications
We are seeking a forward-thinking leader with the expertise and passion to deliver transformative engineering solutions.
* Essential Qualifications:
o Masters in a STEM-related field or equivalent qualification.
o Internationally recognised expertise in fusion research and fusion plant design.
o Expertise in the design and behaviour of Tokamaks.
o Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
o Experience working collaboratively with senior stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes.
o Influential communicator with the ability to present authoritatively at international conferences and handle media engagements.
o Positivity and enthusiasm, fostering a supportive team environment.
o Chartered Engineer status or equivalent.
o Experience in media engagement and public sector knowledge.
* Desirable Skills:
o Experience delivering design through all lifecycle phases in high hazard and/or technically complex major programmes.
o Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Simulation Process and Data Management (SPDM) systems.
o Understanding of Safety Case Report and Environment Impact Assessment requirements related to energy or technology sectors.
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, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.
Please note that 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.
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application