Fusion energy programme focusses on maintenance
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) has started recruitment for senior engineering roles to take the project for creating the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant forward. Plant maintenance features strongly in the development plans.
UKIFS is responsible for delivering the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme, creating a path to the commercial viability of fusion, as a safe, low-carbon and near-limitless energy source by 2040. The key objectives of the STEP programme are to demonstrate net energy production from fusion as well as fuel self-sufficiency and a route to plant maintenance for future fusion power plants.
UKIFS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group, will lead STEP’s integrated delivery team to design and build the prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton, a former coal-fired power station site in Nottinghamshire.
It is recruiting for seven senior technical roles that are seen as central to the success of the programme – a Deputy Chief Engineer, a Head of Tokamak Machine, a Design Chief Architect Engineer, a Head of Engineering Assurance, Head of Whole Plant Performance, Head of Engineering – Fuel Cycle and Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling.
UKIFS says the people appointed to these roles will be key to the successful delivery of the technical programme, adding significant weight to the senior leadership team within the programme.
This recruitment drive is said to mark the start of a significant expansion of roles across the programme, with many more expected through the year. The jobs can be based at either Culham Campus in Oxfordshire, or the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire.
Paul Methven, CEO of UKIFS and Senior Responsible Officer for STEP, said: “UKIFS is a new and exciting organisation, working to prove that fusion energy can make a meaningful difference to address climate change and energy security, by delivering net energy. This is a project that really could change the world, place the UK in the lead of a key global technology and generate real economic value for the country.
“We are very excited to be launching our search for these roles, which are fundamental to the technical success of the project and are looking forward to receiving applications from people working in these areas of engineering, not only those in fusion but across adjacent industries.”
