Control Systems Manager

Benefits

Additional Information

The STEP Prototype Plant will redefine what can be controlled in real time - bringing together a highly nonlinear plasma system with complex thermal, electrical and mechanical plant. As Control Systems Manager, you'll be the technical authority shaping how this ground breaking facility is controlled, protected and automated. You'll define the integrated control approach that enables safe, stable and reliable fusion operations. Working at the intersection of plasma physics, power engineering and advanced digital systems, you'll bring together plasma control, plant systems, protection functions and data into one coherent vision. In this first-of-a-kind environment, the clarity and strength of the control strategy you lead will play a pivotal role in the plant's success. Accountability 1: Shape the Control Architecture & Integration Define and evolve the end-to-end control systems architecture for the STEP Prototype Plant Bring together plasma control, plant systems (DCS/PCS), protection, timing and data into a seamless, integrated whole Design for longevity - ensuring systems are maintainable, adaptable and ready for future innovation Set and govern clear interface definitions across teams and partners Identify and manage integration risks, developing smart mitigation strategies Lead technical reviews and guide trade-offs to optimise performance, reliability and cyber resilience Accountability 2: Drive Control Strategy & Design Excellence Define the overall control philosophy and translate it into clear, scalable system requirements Champion innovation in control strategies, digital engineering and advanced modelling Design resilient sensing and control approaches for extreme environments, using smart instrumentation and model-based techniques Ensure full traceability from concept of operations through to safety and regulatory expectations Provide technical leadership across control platforms, HMI, alarms and networks Shape robust verification and validation approaches - from simulation to full plant testing Accountability 3: Embed Safety, Security & Best Practice Set the standard for control system design, alarm strategy and configuration management across the plant Embed functional safety principles (IEC 61508/61511), including hazard analysis and SIL approaches Guide the design of control platforms and systems to ensure consistency with the overall architecture Partner with IT/OT teams to build secure, resilient systems aligned to IEC 62443 Support human-centred design to create intuitive, effective and resilient control room environments Accountability 4: Connect Control Systems with Digital Engineering & Data Integrate control systems into the programme's digital engineering environment (e.g. MBSE/SysML) Champion modelling, simulation and digital twins to accelerate learning and reduce risk Define data and historian strategies to support operations, diagnostics and optimisation Ensure high-quality data capture to enable continuous improvement of control strategies Accountability 5: Support Commissioning & Operational Success Work closely with commissioning and operations teams to shape phased start-up strategies Ensure designs enable operability, maintainability and resilience - including degraded modes Capture learning from commissioning to continuously strengthen control strategies Accountability 6: Lead with Purpose and Inclusivity Bring a leadership mindset to everything you do, regardless of role or title Create an inclusive, collaborative environment where diverse perspectives thrive Provide clear technical leadership to partners and suppliers while encouraging innovation Help grow a strong UK fusion supply chain, building capability and confidence across industry Collaborate with academia and industry to share knowledge and bring best practice into fusion Act as a visible ambassador for our values, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and respect Make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that balance technical excellence with broader impact Essential: Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (Control/Automation, Electrical/Electronic, Systems, or Mechatronics) or equivalent experience. Proven leadership in control/automation engineering within large, complex, multi-disciplinary programmes. Technical knowledge of control systems: PLC, DCS, SCADA, HMI, alarm management, and industrial networking (including time-synchronisation). Instrumentation expertise: sensors, actuators, transducers, calibration, and integration into control loops. Systems thinking mindset: requirements capture, interface management, and trade-off decision-making. Functional safety competence: lifecycle application (IEC 61508/61511), SIL determination, and hazard analysis (HAZOP, LOPA). Cybersecurity understanding for OT systems: secure architecture, IEC 62443 principles, and defence-in-depth strategies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing complex control and instrumentation issues. Excellent

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