Tokamak Energy
Development Engineer
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Tokamak Energy is a global leader in fusion energy and high temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. We work with governments and industry to develop and bring fusion and HTS solutions to market through innovation and strategic partnerships. A major part of this is our end to end capability in HTS systems, from design to manufacturing.
We are the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK Government's STEP Fusion programme, under a £70 million contract running to 2029, working with UK Fusion Energy to deliver HTS magnet systems for the STEP prototype power plant, while also contributing to tokamak systems and plasma integration.
Founded in 2009 as a spin-out from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Tokamak Energy is headquartered in Oxfordshire, with subsidiaries in the United States and Japan. Today, we employ over 300 people and have secured more than £280 million in investment.
We operate through three divisions:
- Fusion - Fusion energy technologies, expertise and testbeds for government and private fusion programmes, including ST40, the world's highest field spherical tokamak.
- TE Magnetics - HTS systems for commercial applications including fusion energy, power distribution, life sciences, and propulsion.
- Ridgway Machines - Manufacturing equipment for the superconducting, electrical and wider energy sectors, enabling the rapid industrialisation of HTS products.
Overview of the role
TEM is a new structure within Tokamak Energy. We want to usher in the HTS era. As a Controls/Mechatronic Development Engineer you will develop, implement and improve our manufacturing machines and processes within TEM with a focus on safety, quality and repeatability. It will involve working closely with the production, technical, design, safety and quality teams with a focus on achieving a robust, reliable, automated, and scalable manufacturing model.
In this role, you will:
- Develop, modify, and maintain PLC-based control systems for HTS coil manufacturing and assembly processes in line with industrial standards
- Support the design and development of automation solutions for HTS coil manufacturing, from early concepts through to implementation
- Assess, improve, and adapt existing manufacturing processes to support both custom builds and scalable production
- Commission, support, and maintain manufacturing machinery, including hands-on involvement during installation, upgrades, and process changes
- Integrate PLCs with external devices, sensors, HMIs, and data systems, ensuring reliable and safe operation
- Assist in the development of bespoke control solutions, fixtures, and test rigs to support manufacturing and validation activities
- Use appropriate programming or scripting tools to support control systems, data handling, testing, and machinery development where required
- Diagnose and resolve control, electrical, and automation-related faults, carrying out root-cause analysis to improve equipment reliability
- Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and production teams to ensure control solutions are practical, robust, and manufacturable
- Provide training, mentoring, and technical support to members of the manufacturing team as well as to TE technicians and contractors
- Contribute to continuous improvement, including process optimisation, workflow development, documentation, and system standardisation
- Ensure work complies with relevant safety, quality, and engineering standards
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Requirements
- Degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or similar. Or appropriate experience and proven track record of automation/control development
- Practical experience developing, modifying, and supporting PLC-controlled machinery within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Practical experience with automation and robotics desirable
- An awareness of machinery safety, interlocking, and safe control system design, with experience working to relevant industrial standards
- Experience of working with superconducting materials and coil winding tooling is desirable
- Great communication skills (both oral and written) with the ability to report project status, issues and plans concisely and effectively in different forums
- Practical experience with CAD and Electrical design desirable
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to deal with ambiguity
- Proactive, energetic and delivery focused, with good problem-solving skills
Benefits
- Salary range up to £60,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown
- Performance-led rewards including discretionary bonus, innovation and merit schemes
- Share options - a stake in our future success
- Pension and comprehensive financial protection package including death in service and critical illness cover
- Health and wellbeing support, including cash plan and 24/7 assistance
- Ongoing investment in your growth with training and career progression
- Be part of world-changing innovation in Fusion Energy
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Important information for candidates
No terminology in the advert or job description is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.
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 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation
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.
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