Director of Fusion Technology

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them. 

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, with 6 to 8 direct reports, oversight of a team of around 150 engineers and scientists, and accountability for an annual budget of £10–£20 million.

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality, high-impact research programmes that are critical to the development of fusion as a future source of sustainable energy. Your team will be engaged with both national and private sector fusion projects across the globe. As the champion for the research and development division, you will strengthen UKAEA’s international position, cultivate strategic partnerships, and guide the division’s world-leading technological advancements.

Core responsibilities

• Lead the 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.

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

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/ but highlights include: 

• £105K base salary 
• 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 

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We 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. Further information can be found here.