STEP Fusion
Senior Systems Engineer
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Senior Systems Engineer
Senior Systems Engineer – STEP Programme
About STEP Fusion
UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is leading the development of fusion energy, a sustainable and near-limitless power source. The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme aims to design and build a prototype fusion plant by 2040, creating a global fusion supply chain valued at £7 trillion per year.
The role will be based at UKFE’s site in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, with 3 days of onsite work per week, flexible working supported.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Engineer to play a pivotal role in delivering complex high-impact engineering outcomes within the STEP programme.
In this position, you will:
- Take full ownership of systems engineering delivery at the work-package level
- Combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership capability
- Operate across a broad systems engineering scope, including:
- Stakeholder need elicitation, whole-plant requirement definition
- Integration of transversal design requirements
- Shaping systems engineering policy and processes
Key Responsibilities
1. Delivery Leadership
- Own and lead end-to-end systems engineering work packages, managing resource allocation and budget accountability
- Ensure assured product and service delivery aligned with scope, quality, schedule, and cost
- Plan, track, and manage delivery, resolving technical and programme challenges proactively
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, partners, and suppliers to ensure successful outcomes
2. Technical Authority
- Act as the **primary ****Systems Engineering tech lead for assigned packages
- Provide clear technical direction and resolve complex trade-offs and decisions
- Maintain consistent application of systems engineering principles, standards, and lifecycle practices
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3. Integration & Risk Management
- Coordinate and integrate concurrent workstreams, contributors, and interfaces
- Identify and manage technical assumptions, dependencies, and risks to ensure delivery confidence
- Maintain alignment and technical integrity across all activities
4. Leadership & Development
- Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring to engineers
- Champion best practice in systems engineering and drive continuous improvement in:
- Tools
- Processes
- Organisational ways of working
- Engage stakeholders effectively to communicate progress and manage expectations
5. Culture & Leadership Mindset
- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment
- Act as a cultural ambassador, aligning with the Seven Principles of Public Life and organisational values
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience (Essential)
- A relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject
- Professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (e.g., IfSE, IET, IMechE)
- Extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering with pragmatic application experience
- Proven ability to manage systems engineering scope through teams
- Experience operating as a technical authority for systems engineering deliverables
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills for junior team members
- Excellent communication and stakeholder influence capabilities
Preferred (Beneficial)
- Member of the Institute for Systems Engineering (MIfSE)
- Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP/CSEP) accreditation with ICSEI
- Experience with Dassault Systems 3DS tools, specifically:
- CATIA Magic (3DEXPERIENCE Cameo Systems Modeler)
- 3DEXPERIENCE platform
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Why Join UKFE?
✔ Part of a groundbreaking programme shaping engineering’s future ✔ Work on impactful, high-complexity challenges ✔ Collaborate with industry and academic leaders ✔ Career growth, leadership development, and innovation opportunities
Benefits (Inclusive of Salary £58,320 + Specialist Allowance)
- Outstanding defined-benefit pension scheme
- Corporate bonus scheme (up to 7%) + Relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies
- Employee Assistance Programme + trained Mental Health First Aiders
- 25+ days annual leave (plus 3 Christmas/2.5 privilege days & UK bank holidays)
- Wide-ranging career development programmes
- Inclusive, equality-focused culture
Specialist Allowance
- Non-contractual, non-pensionable Specialist Allowance: £6,500 p.a. (in addition to the stated salary of £58,320)
Key Details
📅 Closing date: 9th July 2026 📍 Location: West Burton, Nottinghamshire 🔐 Security Check Required: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS, including DBS check)
- Potential future need for SC Security Clearance. Existing SC clearances transferable.
Inclusivity & Fairness
UKFE is committed to:
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)—welcomes candidates from under-represented groups, including:
- Women in STEM
- Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds
- Individuals with disabilities
- Adaptive recruitment practices (e.g., interview adjustments/accommodation requests should be made to talent@ukifs.uk)
For further information about criminal record checks for overseas applicants, visit: UK Government Guide
Vacancies close within 4 weeks or earlier if high demand. We also retain applications for similar future roles.
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