Mechanical/Design Engineer

Company Background

What if there was a limitless, safe, clean, low-cost energy source, providing much needed global energy security?  What if that energy source could also help reduce climate change?  We believe that’s fusion energy.  Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford, UK.  We have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion energy. 

In addition to fusion energy, Tokamak Energy is recognised as the leader in High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnet, design, numerical modelling, and prototyping.  Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets. 

The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, currently employs a growing team of over 250 people with experts from the UK and around the world.  It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities.  The company has 70 families of patent applications and has raised $250 million, comprising $200m from private investors and $50m from the UK and US governments.  Our US subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.

Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team who are striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable energy for all.

Overview of the role

Reporting to a Tokamak Design Team Leader, the Mechanical/Design Engineer will be a member of a design team within the Tokamak Structures and Integration group. The group provides mechanical and systems engineering resource in support of business objectives including tokamak design and operation, vacuum and cryogenic systems, high temperature superconducting magnets and off-line test rigs. The post holder will have responsibility for the design of mechanical components and assemblies and will interface with key stakeholders and subject matter experts in order to deliver optimised solutions; this will involve the use of CAD/CAE to produce models, drawings FEA analysis and reports.

In this role, you will:

• Use CAD software to create 3D models and engineering drawings that clearly convey design intent, manufacturing requirement and operator information.
• Contribute or lead on the delivery of mechanical designs and support engineering activities across business projects and programmes.
• Engage with subject matter experts and stakeholders to support requirement definition.
• Conduct analysis and simulations to ensure the suitability, performance and reliability of mechanical designs.
• Work closely with suppliers and technicians to optimise design, resolve issues and deliver items to service.
• Select most appropriate materials and manufacturing technology for design, including advanced and developing techniques.
• Have awareness of wider regulatory framework with knowledge of specific applications, e.g. PED requirements, pressure vessel design codes, design of lifting equipment, etc.
• Ensure safety is considered in all aspects of engineering design.
• Be capable of writing technical documentation and processes.
• Take part in design reviews, ensure that follow on actions are carried out.

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our occupational health service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:

• Work in hot or cold environments
• Driving on Company business
• Work with cryogenic fluids including liquid nitrogen
• Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields
• Working with materials that are managed under the control of substances hazardous to health regulations (COSHH)
• Operating heavy equipment including forklifts / overhead gantry cranes
• Travel outside of Europe or North America on company business

Requirements

• HNC/D or degree level in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience.
• A member of a professional institute or working towards it.
• Detailed knowledge of 3D CAD, PLM systems, data management and revision control.
• Previous experience of complex design projects with good problem resolution skills.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to form solid working relationships with key stakeholders.   
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable to change, with ability to deliver against business priorities.
• Ability to perform design calculations and analysis using engineering software.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical principles, materials & manufacturing processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of electromagnetic principles and their mechanical implications in high current systems.

Benefits

• 28 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Company pension scheme
• Eligible for company share option scheme
• Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance
• Private medical insurance after 3 months service
• Cycle to work scheme

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.

Important information for candidates

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.

Working arrangements

Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split.

Part time working or job share options will be reviewed on an individual basis.