Head of Engineering - Fuel Cycle - UKIFS Ltd

As the Head of Engineering Fuel Cycle you will lead the engineering and integration of critical fuel cycle systems including tritium recovery breeder extraction and purification processes. This is a central role within UKIFSs senior leadership requiring exceptional technical expertise strategic vision and collaboration skills to ensure the successful delivery of these complex and groundbreaking systems.

You will:

• Lead Engineering Excellence:
  • Oversee a multidisciplinary team of engineers strategic partners and Whole Plant Partners (WPPs) ensuring design activities align with STEPs goals.
  • Manage and optimize a budget exceeding 3M (with significant growth expected).
  • Provide technical leadership for firstofakind fuel cycle systems with low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
• Ensure Integration and Collaboration:
  • Act as the intelligent client ensuring the seamless integration of fuel cycle systems with the wider STEP plant.
  • Work closely with government bodies regulatory authorities and industrial partners to maintain technical coherence and compliance.
• Drive Innovation and Risk Management:
  • Develop and implement digital solutions such as PLM systems and virtual twins to enhance technical delivery and decisionmaking.
  • Identify assess and mitigate technical risks while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Shape the Future of Fusion Technology:
  • Establish and maintain technical standards for the development and operation of fuel cycle systems.
  • Foster a culture of innovation inclusivity and collaboration to achieve STEPs ambitious milestones.

This role is your opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant technological breakthroughs of our time while shaping the future of energy systems on a global scale.

Qualifications :

We are seeking a forwardthinking leader with the expertise and passion to deliver transformative engineering solutions.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Technical Expertise:
  • A degree in a STEMrelated field (with Chartered Engineer status).
  • Proven success in delivering complex hightech engineering projects within a regulated environment.
  • Deep understanding of fusion fuel cycles tritium recovery and breeder extraction system design.
  • Knowledge of system interdependencies and engineering lifecycle processes including lowTRL development.
• Strategic Vision and Innovation:
  • Demonstrated ability to align technical strategies with longterm organizational objectives.
  • Experience leveraging digital transformation tools such as PLM systems to optimize engineering outcomes.
  • Proven success in managing technical risks and delivering innovative solutions.
• Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Inspirational leadership style with experience managing interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels and resolve conflicts effectively.
  • Experience in building partnerships across industry government and academia.
• Adaptability and ProblemSolving:
  • Ability to navigate uncertainty embrace emerging technologies and lead in an evolving environment.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing innovative solutions in the fusion energy sector.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in nuclear aerospace or other highregulation industries.
• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing techniques or materials science.
• Experience working within publicprivate partnerships or global consortia.

Additional Information :

We welcome applications from underrepresented 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.