Question 1

What does the Magnets Engineering Manager role at UK Fusion Energy involve?

Accepted Answer

The Magnets Engineering Manager at UK Fusion Energy is the technical authority for the STEP programme's superconducting magnet system, accountable for the overall adequacy of magnet design, performance, integrity, and delivery. The role leads an integrated team of UKFE and UKAEA staff alongside specialist external organisations, drives technology demonstration through model coils during the current 2025–2029 tranche, and manages interfaces with plasma, power and cooling, and other STEP subsystems. The position also carries strategic responsibility for developing the magnet supply chain in the UK and globally.

Question 2

What magnet technology is STEP planning to use and why is it technically challenging?

Accepted Answer

STEP plans to use jointed REBCO high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets to confine the plasma in the tokamak, which will require some of the largest HTS magnets ever built. The jointed design is necessary to allow maintenance access to the machine interior, but remountable joints in superconducting coils introduce significant engineering complexity around electrical performance, mechanical integrity, and quench protection. Achieving the required field strength while managing these joints — and integrating the magnets with the overall plant size and maintenance strategy — makes this one of the biggest engineering challenges in the STEP programme.

Question 3

What is the STEP programme and who is delivering it?

Accepted Answer

STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK's flagship national fusion programme, targeting delivery of a prototype fusion power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire by 2040. It is led by UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE), a company wholly owned by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and established specifically to deliver STEP. The programme involves collaboration with industrial partners and academic institutions, and aims to establish a fusion supply chain in the UK with long-term global sector value estimated in the trillions of pounds per year.

Question 4

Is a salary published for the Magnets Engineering Manager role at UKFE?

Accepted Answer

The salary for the Magnets Engineering Manager position at UK Fusion Energy is described as competitive but no specific figure is published in the job listing. The package includes an outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, a corporate bonus scheme of up to 7%, a relocation allowance where eligible, 25 days annual leave plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days in addition to UK bank holidays, flexible working options, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Candidates should contact UKFE directly for salary details.

Question 5

What qualifications and experience are required for this role?

Accepted Answer

UK Fusion Energy requires demonstrated significant leadership experience in the development and/or delivery of superconducting magnets, a degree or equivalent professional recognition in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline, and Chartered Engineer status with a recognised professional body or commensurate experience. Candidates must have expert and broad knowledge of magnet technology, substantial experience in complex systems engineering, and a proven ability to set strategic direction and coordinate interdisciplinary teams. Desirable experience includes HTS materials, quench detection and protection, superconducting cable design, tokamak engineering, and prior work on major big-science programmes.

Question 6

What level is the Magnets Engineering Manager position?

Accepted Answer

This is a principal or senior manager level role within the UKFE Engineering Delivery division. The Magnets Engineering Manager reports to the Head of Tokamak Machine, holds full technical authority for a major STEP subsystem, carries budget and milestone accountability, and is responsible for developing the team's recruitment and development strategy. The scope and seniority of the role — spanning technical authority, supply chain development, and multi-organisation team leadership — places it at the top of the individual contributor and functional lead hierarchy.

Question 7

Where is the role based and what is the working pattern?

Accepted Answer

The Magnets Engineering Manager role can be based at either of two UKFE sites: West Burton in Nottinghamshire, which is the planned location of the STEP prototype plant, or Culham in Oxfordshire, the site of the UKAEA's existing fusion research campus. The role is full time and hybrid, with onsite working expected three days per week. UKFE actively supports flexible working requests. The closing date for applications is June 29, 2026.

Question 8

Why is developing a supply chain for fusion magnets strategically important?

Accepted Answer

REBCO HTS magnets of the scale required for STEP have never been manufactured in volume, and the global supply chain for high-temperature superconductors and the precision engineering needed to wind and join them is still immature. Developing manufacturing capacity — particularly within the UK — is essential both to delivering STEP on schedule and to establishing the industrial base that future commercial fusion power plants will require. The Magnets Engineering Manager at UKFE will engage global technical and manufacturing experts and work with the commercial team to maximise UK economic value, making supply chain development a strategic priority alongside the engineering programme itself.

Question 9

What disciplines and teams does the Magnets Engineering Manager work across?

Accepted Answer

The role spans superconducting magnet engineering, plasma physics interfaces, power and cooling systems, structural and mechanical engineering, and manufacturing and supply chain. Internally, the Magnets Engineering Manager collaborates with the plasma team, the UKFE Prototype and Test team, project managers, and the commercial function. Externally, the role engages specialist industrial organisations, global research institutes, and the STEP Design Authority. Candidates with tokamak engineering experience alongside superconducting magnet expertise will be particularly well suited to managing these cross-disciplinary interfaces.

Question 10

How can I apply for the Magnets Engineering Manager role at UK Fusion Energy?

Accepted Answer

The role is listed on Fusion Future at https://fusion-future.com/jobs/jobs-ukfe-magnets-engineering-manager, where you can follow the direct link to the UKFE application portal. The closing date for applications is June 29, 2026. This role requires completion of an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal convictions check, and there is a possibility of SC Clearance being required in the future. Applicants who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years should review the UK Government's overseas criminal records check guidance before applying.