Lead Electrical Engineer
Overview of Responsibilities
Fusion energy offers the potential for significant quantities of low-carbon, inherently safe, abundantly fuelled, baseload energy, supporting sustainable climate action and energy independence. While the technical challenge remains high, confidence is increasing, and the rewards of realising fusion are almost incalculable. Anticipated to come online for commercial purposes in the middle of this century, fusion offers a viable means to sustainable net zero in the UK and globally, as well as to increased energy security. The UK is currently a world leader in fusion research and development and in the drive to realise commercially viable energy from fusion, a sector with an estimated value of £tns per year.
STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UK’s flagship national programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to commercial viability of fusion. STEP is deliberately bold and ambitious and seeks people who want to be part of a world-changing endeavour and who have credible and relevant experiencing in delivery.
STEP is led by the UK Fusion Energy Ltd. (UKFE), a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to focus on the delivery of the fusion prototype powerplant and, in so doing, the development of a fusion supply chain.
What you’ll be doing
You will be a core member of the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team, directly reporting to the Head Of Engineering – Power & Cooling.
In this role you will be primarily supporting the design efforts of the STEP Prototype Powerplant by providing core expertise and capability of the systems interfacing with the tokamak.
Namely you will lead and own the design, as the Lead Electrical Engineer, for key electrical systems and sub systems. You will also own any relevant and required technology development programmes seeking to develop the maturity of the SPP electrical system’s design maturity.
As the UKFE electrical engineering SME you will also support the Power & Cooling team with engineering governance and assurance, by providing key insight into codes & standards, processes and procedures. Finally you will support both internal and external interfaces to ensure goal alignment and delivery. By supporting the Power & Cooling area you will contribute to a deliverable design which will ultimately ensure SPP’s ability to convert thermal power into electrical power that can be delivered to the grid, for the first time from a fusion energy source.
Accountability 1: Electrical Subject Matter Expert
- Act as the main point of contact in the team and the wider organisation regarding all matters relating to electrical engineering design
- Accountable for the integrity and manufacturability of the Power & Cooling electrical system and sub system designs
- Provide key modelling capability of electrical design modelling (e.g. distribution network modelling and system modelling) supporting development of tools used for analysis.
- Conduct the development, improvement and dissemination of internal design and analysis procedures, methods and skills in the technical fields associated with Power & Cooling electrical design
- Define, plan and execute strategic goals for successful delivery of Power & Cooling technical projects involving electrical design. Have an instrumental role in reviewing the progress of strategy execution and implementing continuous improvement where necessary.
- Lead in raising the standard for competences and be proactive in defining new systems or processes that enhance the productivity of the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team or the wider organisation.
- Keep abreast of developments, innovation and best practice in relevant engineering disciplines, and make recommendations for knowledge sharing within Integrated Project Team. Lead innovation through interfaces with the IP team.
Accountability 2: Lead design
- Own, lead and deliver the design of the electrical system and sub-systems, from concept through to detailed design for STEP and the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team. Develop and lead the execution of technical engineering plans, resource plans, and risk assessments, as part of such tasks.
- Lead and manage a team of (circa 5) engineers of different levels of experience. Delegate and support appropriately.
- Accountable for the electrical design of key components within power and cooling, namely complex high voltage distribution systems, energy storage systems, fusion unique power supplies, and the national grid connection system.
- Accountable for originating and progressing designs from concept through to detailed design within STEP Power & Cooling, especially for the development of electrical aspects of the design and the technology development programmes required.
- Accountable for engineering analyses using classic and numerical methods to support design studies. Ensure that detail designs are appropriately validated (by computation or experiment), working with engineering analysts as necessary, and ensure appropriate adherence to international and fusion-specific design standards.
- Implement systems engineering tools and processes in order to ensure design is conducted within a systems engineering framework appropriate to the task.
- Identify design requirements, interfaces, trade-offs, and perform optioneering of designs and new technologies as part of project delivery.
- Work effectively to maximise design performance within written design requirements and/or design brief.
- Produce technical reports, departmental notes and journal / conference papers where relevant.
- Check / approve colleagues’ technical work, reports, and publish papers to ensure their work is accurate, of high quality, and maintains internal and code-based design standards. This includes taking accountability for the standard of technical output.
- Act as arbitrator on technical conflicts within the design solution remit.
Accountability 3: Lead technology development
- Accountable for testing of key electrical interfacing components and systems interfacing with the tokamak and within Power & Cooling. Testing of these systems is expected through dedicated technology development programmes.
- Accountable for the development and planning of electrical system technology development and testing programmes. These may be physical testing rigs, in silico modelling, or a mix.
- Lead technology development programmes supporting the wider design electrical system and sub system design. This can be through leading the team or through acting as the UKFE technical lead on one or multiple major technology development delivery contracts.
- Identify technology shortfalls and conceptualise, plan and propose appropriate R&D activities or projects to ensure that technical risk is managed and to make strides in technical capability or efficiency.
- Accountable for the benefits realisation of the electrical system technology development plans, ensuring design and modelling validation.
Accountability 4: External and internal engagement
- Lead the technical delivery of projects including those involving an international customer and/or international collaborators or suppliers.
- Originate technical specifications and tender documentation for all electrical system development.
- Act as the technical lead for supporting external design, manufacture, and installation contracts required for project completion. Work hand in hand with suppliers and partners to deliver a cohesive high integrity design for the electrical systems. Ensure appropriate adherence to international and fusion-specific design codes, standards and regulations are applied throughout.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for UKFE by forging links and partnerships with academic and industrial bodies outside of UKFE.
- Lead and own the national grid interface by acting as the main UKFE interface.
- Lead and own the grid connection agreement(s) application process and act as the main technical point of contact for the connection agreement(s).
- Support all engagements with the National Grid bodies (NESO/NGET/NGED), including planning applications, strategy development and scenario planning.
- Act as the main electrical system interface with all internal enabling functions, namely supporting PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) integration, risk management, commercial, programme planning and digital functions.
- Act as the system interface lead for the main electrical systems; with clear management of the interfaces with other major systems and integrated project teams across the programme.
- Ensure adoption and integration of the design via the design authority.
Accountability 5: Engineering governance and assurance
- Develop and supervise the approach to codes and standards to be used for the electrical engineering design of the Power & Cooling area
- Act as a main interface between the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team and the engineering governance and assurance functions within the wider programme.
- Provide key insight into the codes and standards used as well as the appropriate legislation and regulation for the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team
- Lead the development of appropriate processes, procedures, and guidance for electrical systems, including high voltage systems and ensure design outputs adhere to these
- Critically assess designs for deliverability and integrity; this includes designing for cost, manufacturability, and environmental criteria.
- Ensure a safe design which adheres to the correct principles of asset protection determined by the programme.
Accountability 6: Embody a Leadership Mindset
- Regardless of your formal position, you embody a leadership mindset and a set of leadership behaviours. You embrace and embody our organization’s culture, values, and mission in all aspects of your work.
- Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
- Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.
- Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization’s values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
- Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
- Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organizational goals.
- Supervise junior engineers and students, providing them with challenging projects, monitoring their progress and providing constructive feedback.
- Adhere to group and organisational management systems.
Qualifications
Essential:
- A relevant engineering degree or equivalent
- Extensive experience of complex engineering projects.
- Proven experience of developing and delivering complex electrical major systems and sub systems, namely high voltage and/or high current systems, power supplies, grid connections, large distribution networks and energy storage systems.
- Excellent understanding of codes (including grid code and associate documentation such as SQSS and CUSC), standards, legislation and regulation linked to the development of complex electrical engineering systems; and experience working to such codes and standards.
- Proven track record of working with or alongside NESO and NGET to develop connection agreements.
- Proven capability in engineering analysis
- Proven track record of working safely and designing for safety, adhering to appropriate electrical safety rules.
- Ability to perform exploratory design calculations using first principles
- Broad and deep understanding of design, manufacture, test, operate and related engineering processes, practices, current standards and industry best-practice
- Strategic and innovative thinker
- Good communication and technical writing skills
- Good knowledge of power generation design and technology
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrable commitment to working in compliance with modern Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality Assurance standards
- Proven experience of managing teams up to 5 individuals.
- Proven experience of managing significant external contracts (£500k or higher)
Beneficial:
- Chartered status with a suitable professional institution
- Experience with fusion-relevant environmental factors such as relevant (magnet or Heating & Current Drive system) power supplies.
- Experience in developing designs for the fusion industry; as well as developing designs for: nuclear environments, power generating systems and powerplants
- Experience in designing, commissioning and operating high voltage systems up to 400 kV.
- Understanding of modern project management tools and a willingness to adopt organisational approaches to project management
Additional Information
We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.
UKFE is committed to being accessible. Please email talent@ukifs.uk if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.
This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKFE.
As we work towards our mission and goals, guided by our principles, STEP has six behaviours that are intended to capture the spirit of how we work:
- We champion safety
- We all matter
- We act as one
- We embrace change
- We are pioneering
- We deliver
For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.
