Question 1

What does the Magnets Technology Development Lead role at UKAEA involve?

Accepted Answer

The Magnets Technology Development Lead at UKAEA leads the HTS magnet technology development programme for STEP, the UK's prototype fusion power plant. The role delivers the STEP HTS small test coil, short cable, and magnet materials programmes, producing technology development plans and leading a multi-disciplinary team to meet STEP's model coil timescales.

Question 2

What is STEP and why does this role matter?

Accepted Answer

STEP is UKAEA's programme to design and build a prototype fusion power plant, expected to use among the largest HTS magnet systems in the world. This role is central to demonstrating that HTS magnet technology can be scaled from bench-scale tests and sub-scale prototypes to the full model coil the STEP programme requires.

Question 3

What does UKAEA do as an organisation?

Accepted Answer

UKAEA, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, leads the UK's efforts to realise fusion energy, partnering with industry and research institutions to bring fusion electricity to the grid. Its work spans the STEP prototype power plant programme and broader fusion research based at sites including Culham, Oxfordshire.

Question 4

What salary does UKAEA offer for this role?

Accepted Answer

UKAEA has not published a salary figure for the Magnets Technology Development Lead role. The position includes a defined benefit pension scheme, a corporate bonus scheme up to 7%, a relocation allowance where eligible, and 25 days annual leave plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days in addition to UK bank holidays.

Question 5

What experience and qualifications does UKAEA require for this role?

Accepted Answer

UKAEA requires a relevant engineering degree or equivalent, chartered status with a suitable professional institution, and a demonstrable track record developing technology and delivering innovative solutions to industry. Candidates need a good understanding of HTS magnet design and HTS multi-physics, particularly quench behaviour, plus experiment design proficiency using electrical and cryogenic laboratory equipment.

Question 6

What level is the Magnets Technology Development Lead role?

Accepted Answer

This is a senior technical leadership role, as indicated by the Lead title and the requirement to produce technology development plans and lead a multi-disciplinary team. It also requires chartered engineering status and commercial awareness, including project and budget management experience.

Question 7

Where is this role located and is it remote?

Accepted Answer

The Magnets Technology Development Lead role is based onsite at UKAEA's West Burton or Culham site in Oxfordshire, UK. It is a full-time position and is not offered as a remote role.

Question 8

Why is HTS magnet development a significant technical challenge for STEP?

Accepted Answer

STEP is likely to require among the largest HTS magnet systems in the world, and demonstrating successful designs relies heavily on innovative HTS magnet components proven through bench-scale tests and sub-scale prototypes before scaling to a full model coil. This role identifies UKAEA's magnet technology needs and executes discrete test campaigns with a fail-fast approach to meet STEP's challenging timescales.

Question 9

What disciplines does this role span?

Accepted Answer

The Magnets Technology Development Lead role spans HTS magnet design, multi-physics analysis, experiment design, and programme leadership. It acts as the interface between the STEP power plant design team, where technology challenges emerge, and the model coil development programme that demonstrates these technologies at scale.

Question 10

How do I apply for the Magnets Technology Development Lead role at UKAEA?

Accepted Answer

Candidates can apply for the Magnets Technology Development Lead role at UKAEA through the listing on Fusion Future at fusion-future.com/jobs/jobs-ukaea-step-fusion-magnet-jobs, which links directly to UKAEA's official application page. The role is based onsite at West Burton or Culham, Oxfordshire, reference REF3360I.