Overview

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) serves as the UK’s national fusion laboratory, dedicated to advancing the commercial development of fusion power and related technologies. Our mission is to establish the UK as a global leader in sustainable fusion energy by tackling the complex scientific and engineering challenges associated with this revolutionary energy source.

UKAEA operates four key facilities:

Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) – The UK’s leading fusion research facility.
Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) – Focused on robotics and automation for extreme environments.
Materials Research Facility (MRF) – Specializing in the study of materials for fusion and other advanced technologies.
Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) – An apprentice training centre run in partnership with STFC.

As part of CCFE, we manage the Joint European Torus (JET)—the world’s largest fusion device—on behalf of the EUROfusion consortium.

Stay connected with UKAEA for updates on our cutting-edge research, career opportunities, and commercial collaborations.

About the Job

Company Overview

The UK Government has established UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd., a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to drive the development of fusion energy. UKIFS is responsible for designing and delivering the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. As the organization builds its foundation, it focuses on attracting top talent, fostering industry partnerships, developing a robust supply chain, and overseeing the planning and construction of STEP.

Fusion energy is essential for addressing climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. The UK, through UKIFS, is at the forefront of this revolutionary technology, with a prototype fusion plant targeted to begin operations around 2040. UKIFS collaborates with industrial partners to establish a thriving fusion supply chain, contributing to an estimated £7 trillion global sector.

Why Join UKIFS?

Employees benefit from:

Outstanding pension scheme (defined benefit).
Corporate bonus (up to 7%) and relocation allowance (if eligible).
Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies.
Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders.
Generous annual leave (starting at 25 days, plus Christmas closure and UK bank holidays).
Career development opportunities in a cutting-edge industry.
A diverse and inclusive culture committed to equal opportunities.

For more details, visit: UKIFS Candidate Recruitment Pack.

Job Role: Head of Whole Plant Performance

Location:

Employees can be based at either West Burton, Nottinghamshire or Culham, Oxfordshire.

Security Clearance:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, including DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) verification. In the future, Security Clearance (SC) may be required. If you already hold SC clearance, it can be transferred to UKIFS.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Whole Plant Performance, you will oversee the integration and optimization of all systems within the STEP prototype, ensuring they meet ambitious program objectives. Your work will focus on delivering high electrical power output, fusion fuel production, and advanced robotic maintenance, while managing complex system interactions.

Your Role Includes:

Defining & Owning Performance Strategy
- Develop strategies to meet STEP’s technical performance objectives.
- Allocate top-level technical requirements across subsystems for integrated plant performance.
- Proactively manage technical risks and trade-offs in system development.
Monitoring & Assuring Performance
- Lead Verification & Validation (V&V) processes to ensure design integrity.
- Address emerging performance issues using innovative solutions.
- Provide strategic feedback to guide program outcomes.
Leading Multidisciplinary Teams
- Manage a team of ~5 direct reports and ~20 indirect reports.
  
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Head of Whole Plant Performance – UKIFS Ltd.