Prototype and Testing Principal Engineer

Prototype and Testing Principal Engineer – Test Programme – UKIFS Company Description: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7 tn per year. Benefits Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme 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 Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays Wide range of career development opportunities A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive Job Description The Engineering Manager role within Prototype and Testing is a core position in the leadership of Technology Demonstration activities for the STEP Programme. You will lead a matrix of technical staff across three partner organisations, contributing to all Prototype and Testing (P&T) and Technology Demonstration activities on the STEP programme. Alongside the P&T Programme Manager and other leaders, you will have direct and indirect control of a proportion of a total £300 m budget allocated for Prototyping and Testing over the next four years. Using a systems engineering approach, you will own and contribute to the overall P&T delivery strategy and direction for a complex, evolving technical programme. You will drive continuous improvement and set a culture of excellence within the organisation, promoting organised work practices without stifling innovation. Reporting to the Head of Engineering – Prototype & Testing, you will lead a particular element of the Technology Demonstration lifecycle (from Test Programme Management, Engineering Design, Assembly, Operation & Testing or Development, Decommissioning & Exploitation). You will support mitigation of a significant portfolio of technical risk, ensuring the right capabilities are available at the right time to deliver the prototyping and testing elements of the programme. Key responsibilities include: Designing and implementing strategies for Prototype and Testing to align with STEP goals and objectives Identifying new advancements, efficiencies and ways for UKIFS to be a leader in Nuclear Fusion Exploring digital opportunities to increase technical delivery performance and optimise processes Driving long‑term economic value through siting strategies and creating additional value from STEP investment in rigs and facilities Leveraging existing rigs and facilities to maximise testing opportunities and synergies Ensuring the programme has the right people, tools, infrastructure and data to run effectively across all lifecycle phases Contributing to strategic workforce planning, including early‑career involvement and skills pipeline development Identifying opportunities in the PLM system for digital enablement and virtual STEP integration Developing and executing a make/buy strategy for P&T that balances existing hardware and long‑term needs Prioritising P&T activities, maintaining cost, schedule and quality with the relevant project manager Providing oversight of test programme delivery and stakeholder management within and outside of STEP Acting as the primary point of contact for the lifecycle area within P&T and deputising for the Head of Prototyping & Testing as required Upholding a leadership mindset and maintaining a respectful, collaborative workplace that values diversity Representing organisational values in interactions with colleagues, clients and stakeholders Making informed decisions, solving problems effectively and considering diverse perspectives Handling test programme requirements collated from IPTs and developing tools and criteria for decision making and prioritisation Scanning horizons for strategic approaches to external testing and engaging with external testing capability Owning and implementing the test programme process This is not an exhaustive list; other reasonable tasks or duties may be required. Qualifications Essential Degree in a STEM related field Programme or Engineering Management experience Leadership of complex multidisciplinary engineering or testing programmes Strategic and innovative thinker in a novel technology context Experience working in a business that holds design authority Effective communication skills: articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, adapt communication style to diverse audiences, and resolve conflicts effectively Ability to adapt to change and uncertainty, and embrace the evolving nature of the job Ability to upskill quickly and have an entrepreneurial mindset Proven ability to inspire and motivate technical teams Beneficial Experience in an emergent technology or scientific environment Business development experience Experience delivering major programmes Experience with Dassault Systemes 3D Experience platform Experience with virtual analogues of physical systems, including accreditation of such models Commercial experience in contracting and negotiating, especially regarding protection of Intellectual Property (IP) Experience leading large, distributed engineering teams, including multiple partners and businesses Additional Information UKIFS welcomes talented people from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM, ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and neurotypical individuals. The Executive team and our EDI Networks actively promote inclusion and take steps to increase diversity within our organisation. Applicants may be required to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open‑source data. International applicants must verify that their country of residence or previous residence is listed on the UK Government website; otherwise, applications cannot be processed. The closing date to apply for this position is the 5th of January. Seniority Level Director Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Engineering and Information Technology Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at STEP Fusion by 2x. #J-18808-Ljbffr