Director of Fusion Technology

Overview of Responsibilities

UKAEA is seeking a world-class leader with experience in technology development and innovation to drive forward its Fusion Technology Division.

As Director of Fusion Technology, you will:

. Play a pivotal role in leading the UKAEA fusion programme.

. Manage 6 to 8 direct reports and oversee a team of around 150 engineers and scientists.

. Be accountable for an annual budget of £10–£20 million.

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality, high-impact research programmes critical to the development of fusion as a future source of sustainable energy. Your team will engage with both national and private sector fusion projects worldwide.

As the champion for the research and development division, you will:

. Strengthen UKAEA’s international position.

. Cultivate strategic partnerships.

. Guide the division’s world-leading technological advancements.

Core Responsibilities

. Lead Fusion Technology development programmes across disciplines including applied materials, neutronics, power plant modelling, high heat flux testing, thermal hydraulics, advanced manufacturing, and engineering innovation.

. Drive high-impact research programmes that strengthen the UK’s leadership in international fusion development.

. Oversee advanced testing facilities that enable cutting-edge science and technology development.

. Secure funding and deliver major research programmes and test facilities by identifying and winning grant opportunities and developing international partnerships and collaborations.

. Build world-class capability in fusion technology disciplines, ensuring UK programmes have the skills, expertise, and resources required for success.

Salary & Programme Details
Salary: £105K base salary
Programme: FTF
Department: FT & H3AT Major Infrastructure
Discipline: Science
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Type of Employment: Full-time
Reference Number: REF3385W

Qualifications

To be shortlisted, candidates must have:

. Proven experience leading large teams of 75+ scientific/technical staff, either as an operational line manager or a programme leader.

. A strong track record of delivering high-quality R&D projects.

. Experience of securing funding to support future initiatives, including grants, partnerships, and collaborations.

. Budget management experience with previous responsibility for annual budgets over £10M.

Benefits

A full list of benefits can be found here, highlights include:

. Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution.

. 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure, 2.5 privilege days, and 8 Bank Holidays.

. Visa sponsorship and relocation support for qualified candidates.

. Flexible and hybrid working options.

Additional benefits as a UKAEA employee include:

. Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible).

. Flexible working options including family-friendly policies.

. Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.

. Wide range of career development opportunities.

. A vibrant culture committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all. We welcome talented people from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating cleaner, carbon-free energy.

UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow’s power stations.

UKAEA embraces core values:

. Innovation

. Commitment

. Trust

. Collaboration

Tagged as: energy, engineering, fusion technology, innovation, leadership, nuclear, R&D, science, technology development, ukaea