Mechanical Design Engineer

Tokamak Energy is a global leader in fusion energy and high temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. We work with governments and industry to develop and bring fusion and HTS solutions to market through innovation and strategic partnerships. A major part of this is our end to end capability in HTS systems, from design to manufacturing.

We are the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK Government's STEP Fusion programme, under a £70 million contract running to 2029, working with UK Fusion Energy to deliver HTS magnet systems for the STEP prototype power plant, while also contributing to tokamak systems and plasma integration.

Founded in 2009 as a spin-out from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Tokamak Energy is headquartered in Oxfordshire, with subsidiaries in the United States and Japan. Today, we employ over 300 people and have secured more than £280 million in investment.

We operate through three divisions:

Fusion - Fusion energy technologies, expertise and testbeds for government and private fusion programmes, including ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak.

TE Magnetics - HTS systems for commercial applications including fusion energy, power distribution, life sciences, and propulsion.

Ridgway Machines - Manufacturing equipment for the superconducting, electrical and wider energy sectors, enabling the rapid industrialisation of HTS products.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team working on advanced technology systems including high temperature super conducting magnets, cryogenic refrigeration, vacuum technology and pressure systems.

Salary guide - £50,000 to £65,000 dependent on skills and experience, plus benefits

The opportunity

You’ll be working as part of a multidisciplinary team designing and delivering complex mechanical systems and assemblies that operate in demanding conditions, including:

• High magnetic field environments
• Cryogenic temperatures
• Vacuum technology
• High-energy and high-current applications
• High precision temperature diagnostic instruments
• Ionising radiation
• Pressure systems

Your responsibilities will include:

• Creating 3D CAD models and engineering drawings
• Performing engineering analysis (FEA, calculations, simulations)
• Designing components for performance, manufacturability, and safety
• Collaborating with other engineers, physicists, and suppliers
• Supporting testing, validation, and system integration
• Producing clear technical documentation

Who this role is for

This role is best suited to engineers who have already worked in highly technical, physics-driven or extreme operating environments, where understanding system behaviour is critical from day one.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in industries such as:

• Superconducting magnet systems or high-field applications
• Cryogenic engineering (low-temperature systems, cryostats, thermal management)
• Vacuum systems and pressure-controlled environments
• Scientific research or instrumentation (particle accelerators, experimental physics equipment, advanced labs)
• Aerospace and space systems (high-reliability, extreme environments)
• Advanced energy systems, including: Nuclear fission or fusion energy, high-power electrical systems, turbomachinery or rotating equipment, electromagnetic or high-current systems where structural and thermal effects are critical

These environments develop engineers who understand challenges such as thermal contraction, electromagnetic loading, vacuum compatibility, and safety-critical design, which are essential in this role.

Requirements

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering
• Strong CAD and mechanical design experience
• Background in complex, high-performance engineering systems as per the above description
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Strongly preferred

• Direct experience in one or more of the industries listed above
• Understanding of:
• Electromagnetic forces and their mechanical impact
• Cryogenic materials and thermal behaviour
• Vacuum design principles
• Experience with safety-critical or highly regulated systems

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown
• Performance-led rewards including discretionary bonus, innovation and merit schemes
• Share options – a stake in our future success
• Pension and comprehensive financial protection package including death in service and critical illness cover
• Health and wellbeing support, including cash plan and 24/7 assistance
• Ongoing investment in your growth with training and career progression
• Be part of world-changing innovation in Fusion Energy

Important information for candidates

No terminology in the advert or job description is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Pre-employment screening

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.

Data privacy

Please note that any personal data submitted to Tokamak Energy as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation

Equality of opportunity

Entry into employment with the Tokamak Energy and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.