TOKAMAK Operations Engineer

About the role

MAST-U is currently the largest operating spherical tokamak in the world, providing a facility on which to perform experiments to provide the answer to key questions for fusion power to be delivered to the grid. We are looking for a TOKAMAK Operations Engineer who will be contributing directly to several critical aspects of the MAST-Upgrade Operations & Machine Protection Working Group (MPWG) for MAST-U function: establishing and updating the Design Basis together with the Operational Envelope in an informed, controlled manner through identification and strategic mitigation of Technical Risk both on a proactive and reactive basis. You will also be working on development and effective implementation of appropriate Engineering Processes and Standards across UKAEA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the execution of high profile mechanical engineering activities (including exploratory research, assessment of plant designs / modification and reactive/proactive issue resolution for operational plant) with particular emphasis on tasks requiring expertise in :
• analyses ranging from first principles, numerical solutions and multi-disciplinary simulation
• use and development of computer aided engineering (CAE) tools to simulate design functionality and qualify performance; manage a schedules of reference calculation methods and tools for use in a fusion component design
• relevant benchmarking experiment, physical test or plant demonstration
• behaviour of complex / interacting plant systems
• impact of lifetime degradation effects.
• Diagnose and resolve issues of plant integrity and plant protection. Ensure that the operation of the experimental facilities has an appropriate balance between performance, reliability and lifetime.
• To identify improved ways of operating the research machines to enhance their performance within the existing capabilities of the available plant
• Undertake technical investigations and assessments into design or operational issues
• Undertake 'fitness for purpose' reviews
• Technical Risk Assessment & Management for competing requirements (Reliability, Safety, Performance, Lifetime)
• Lead risk-based exceptions / tailored application based on a clear understanding of the rationale for the rules
• Subject matter expert for specific regulations. Author of compliance processes or procedures within a diverse business; Member of relevant industry working groups and standards development organisations, etc
• Working with and interpreting between multiple engineering disciplines.
• Essential Requirements:
• Engineering Degree at BSc/MSc level and higher or equivalent
• Ability to perform exploratory design calculations using first principles. Proven capability in engineering analysis and a good working knowledge of engineering materials and their properties
• Demonstrable mechanical engineering design experience with mechanical and electrical machinery, electromagnetics, structural integrity and with ultra-high-vacuum equipment
• Demonstrable mechanical engineering manufacturing experience
• Demonstrable 'Systems integration' experience in design and construction, both general (the efficient matching of diverse engineering systems in a large complex project) and specific (the detail engineering of interfaces)
• Practical technical experience of operating complex prototype equipment
• Some experience in one or more of the following areas : Experience in Tokamak system technologies
• Experience in Control and instrumentation
• Experience in Elementary plasma physics
• Experience in Cryogenics
• A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

Benefits

Additional Information

The salary for this role is £64,820 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance). Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. This role can be based at any of the following sites; Culham, Oxfordshire This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) , including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

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