RF 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

A position is available in the RF Heating and Current Drive team for a High-Power RF Engineer with experience in maintenance and operation of high power (100 kW – 1 MW) RF systems. The successful candidate will work with fellow engineers and physicists on coordination of commissioning, operation, and future upgrades of new cutting-edge RF heating systems in the range of frequencies (80 – 170 GHz) which are currently in design and fabrication.

A key target is the development and implementation of multi-megawatt RF systems for heating of fusion plasma. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in a world leading development of fusion energy. 

In this role, you will:

• Prepare specifications of installation contracts for ECH equipment
• Troubleshoot, repair and maintain microwave components and sub-systems
• Work with control, instrumentation, vacuum, HV and other staff engineers to optimize system performance and respond to on-going requests from research staff
• Produce reports and documentation as technology is developed
• Work with scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop requirements for the microwave launcher systems and transmission line components
• Responsible for personnel safety of their own working group as well as others having contact with their equipment
• Liaise with manufacturers, contractors and collaborators during the design and development of RF system for future fusion reactors

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:

• Working at height (ladders)
• Night working (11pm-6am)
• Driving on Company business
• Working with ionising radiation
• Working with electricity (LV & HV)
• Work with cryogenic fluids including liquid nitrogen
• Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields
• Infrequency travel within Europe, America or Asia may be required on company business

Requirements

• Good knowledge of high-power RF technology: RF power sources, transmission lines, launching antennas, ancillary subsystems, RF related hazards and protection
• Considerable practical experience in operation and maintenance of high-power (above 100 kW) RF equipment: commissioning, troubleshooting, control and interlocks
• Salary will be dependent on skills and experience with a graduate or more experienced role considered for the right candidate
• Familiarity with relevant design software.
• Degree level in high-power RF Electronics or other relevant discipline
• Experience working in a research environment
• Excellent communication skills

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and 3 festive days to be used between Christmas and the New Year)
• Company pension scheme
• Eligible for company share option scheme
• Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependent on performance
• A range of financial benefits including death in service and critical illness cover
• 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.