Tokamak Energy
Senior Software Engineer (C++ / Data Acquisition & Control)
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Senior Software Engineer (C++ / Data Acquisition & Control)
Tokamak Energy – Real-Time C++ Developer (Hardware Interface)
Tokamak Energy is a global leader in fusion energy and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. We collaborate with governments and industry to accelerate the commercialisation of fusion and HTS solutions through innovation and strategic partnerships. Our expert engineering and manufacturing capabilities span design, development, and production, supporting programmes like the UK Government’s STEP Fusion pilot (£70m contract to deliver HTS magnet systems for a prototype power plant).
With roots as a spin-out from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Tokamak Energy now employs 300+ people across the UK, US and Japan, backed by £280m+ in investment. Our work is organised into three divisions:
- Fusion: Leading-edge tokamak technologies and testbeds, including ST40, the world’s highest-field spherical tokamak.
- TE Magnetics: HTS solutions for fusion power, medical devices, propulsion, and energy infrastructure.
- Ridgway Machines: Cutting-edge manufacturing equipment for superconducting and energy sector applications.
About the Role
As a Real-Time C++ Developer, you’ll contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of software systems that directly interface with hardware, enabling precision control, monitoring, and data processing in complex engineering environments.
This position is a key hire within our growing software team, offering significant ownership over critical systems. You’ll work closely with electronics engineers, hardware specialists, and other technical contributors to deliver robust and scalable solutions for our fusion and HTS projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and test C++ applications for real-time data acquisition, hardware control, and system management on embedded and Linux-based platforms.
- Develop hardware interfaces using protocols such as USB, TCP/IP, SPI, I²C, and serial communication to ensure seamless interaction with low-level hardware components.
- Build tools and control interfaces (e.g., dashboards, APIs) for system monitoring, fault diagnosis, and automated operations*.
- Create backend systems for data storage, processing, filtering, analysis, and retrieval—ensuring real-time decision support.
- Take primary ownership of core control software modules within your area, aligning with team and project requirements.
- Collaborate with electromechanical, firmware, and software engineering teams to solve technical challenges and optimise system performance.
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Essential Requirements
- Proficiency in C++ with experience in low-latency, embedded systems, or real-time applications.
- Hands-on experience building asynchronous or real-time systems (e.g., determining worst-case latency, managing interrupt-driven workloads).
- Strong Linux familiarity*, including command-line tooling, software deployment, and troubleshooting.
- Ability to interface with hardware and debug issues across communication layers (e.g., drivers, middleware, and application logic).
- Competence with version control (Git) and build systems (CMake, Make, Bazel) for reproducible development.
*Linux or similar POSIX-compliant environments.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with embedded Linux, ARM-based platform development, or contained environments.
- Relational knowledge of asynchronous I/O frameworks (e.g., Boost.Asio, libevent, ללינוק/**netCore).
- Background in real-time operating systems, networking stacks, or distributed systems.
- Practical exposure to messaging protocols (e.g., MQTT, AMQP, Fluent Bit) or data pub/sub systems.
- Direct experience with FPGAs, microcontrollers, or programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- Use of design patterns, R Curie patterns, and experience with *RTOS; or a keen disposition toward academic study of such systems.
*(Optional: Starred examples refer Shallerton fname) he diligence
Benefits Package
Tokamak Energy fosters a supportive, innovative workplace with competitive rewards:
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- Salary: £65,000–£75,000** (dependent on role complexity, experience, and location).
- Holiday*: 25 days + public holidays + discretionary festive shutdown.
- Financial rewards: 10%–20% performance-based bonus, innovation/merit payments, and profit-sharing schemes.
- Share options aligned to personal and company milestones.
- Comprehensive pension plan backed by a workplace protection package (including death-in-service, critical illness cover).
- Health and well-being support: Cash plan, 24/7 global wellness assistance, access to Flexible Healthcare Schemes.
- Training and career growth: Continuing professional development, access to training facilities, and mentorship.
- Opportunity to shape the fusion energy revolution, working on st French technology that could change the planet.
Equal Opportunity & Employer Standards
Tokamak Energy endorses equality and diversity in all employment practices. We assess all candidates solely on merit, skills, and abilities to perform job duties. Our hiring processes are fully inclusive, prohibiting discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender, minority status, health, marriage, pregnancy, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Pre-employment screening (applicable to this role) includes right-to-work verification, identity documentation checks, and references (performs purely for due-lineage due-order-diligence compliance).
By submitting an application, you confirm you understand that your personal data will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR, ensuring confidentiality and proper handling of information collected. Further details can be found on the UK Government’s GDPR Guidance.
*Flexibility Locker: Tokamak Energy embraces Diversity Empowerment and Equality an equity الضوء Flags at Top Engine Corporate In the SU, the same expectations arise.
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