Head of Engineering - Power and Cooling - UKIFS Ltd

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:
  • Direct a team of engineers and strategic partners promoting innovation and excellence.
  • Oversee a growing budget (starting at 3M) while ensuring timely highquality delivery aligned with STEPs ambitious goals.
  • Shape the technical strategy for lowTRL systems setting design standards and integrating cuttingedge technologies.
• Foster Integration and Collaboration:
  • Manage interdependencies between power and cooling systems and the wider STEP plant.
  • Act as the intelligent client liaising with government regulatory bodies and Whole Plant Partners to deliver effective coherent solutions.
• Champion Innovation and Risk Management:
  • Drive continuous improvement leveraging digital tools such as PLM systems and virtual twins to enhance performance.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks ensuring compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
• Build the Future of Fusion:
  • Set the design direction for novel cooling and power systems enabling efficient energy transfer and grid integration.
  • Lead by example fostering a culture of curiosity inclusivity and collaboration.

This role demands a dynamic leader with the technical expertise strategic insight and innovative spirit to tackle one of the worlds most complex engineering challenges.

Qualifications :

We are looking for an exceptional individual with a unique blend of technical and leadership skills to shape the next generation of energy systems.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Technical Expertise:
  • A degree in a STEMrelated field (with Chartered Engineer status).
  • Proven success in delivering complex hightech engineering projects in a regulated environment.
  • Deep understanding of power generation cooling systems thermal power transfer and electrical power management.
  • Familiarity with National Grid requirements and power system interdependencies.
  • Expertise in systems engineering methodologies including design for lowTRL systems.
• Strategic Vision and Innovation:
  • Demonstrated ability to set and deliver organisational strategies aligned with longterm goals.
  • Experience leveraging digital transformation tools including PLM systems and digital twins to optimize performance.
  • Proven ability to identify new technologies efficiencies and advancements in energy system design.
• Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Inspirational leadership style with a proven ability to coordinate interdisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists.
  • Strong communication skills capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels resolving conflicts and building consensus.
  • Experience in building partnerships across consortia industry and government.
• Adaptability and ProblemSolving:
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity embrace evolving technologies and lead in emergent environments.
  • Strong track record of managing technical risk and delivering innovative solutions in highpressure settings.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in nuclear aerospace or other highregulation industries.
• Knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques or materials science as applied to energy systems.
• Familiarity with publicprivate partnerships and international collaboration.

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.