Principal Mechanical Engineer (Part Time) at UK Atomic Energy Authority

South Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Feb, 26

Salary

70505.0

Posted On

28 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Mechanical Design, Project Management, Technical Documentation, Safety Management Systems, Risk Management, Process Plant Design, Tritium Handling, Legislation Knowledge, Material Selection, Commissioning Experience, Hazardous Materials Handling, Continuous Improvement, Collaboration, Engineering Standards, Quality Assurance, Training Development

Industry

Research Services

Description

Company Description By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on. 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 for ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative. As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from: Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert. Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible). Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment. 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 This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Job Description The salary for this role is £70,505 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance) pro-rata 4 days a week. Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. This role is based at the following site: Culham, Oxfordshire The Role The Principal Mechanical Engineer (H3AT Tritium Plant) is responsible for leading the mechanical design and development of the H3AT Tritium Plant throughout its design lifecycle, through to operational handover. They support the Engineering Lead in ensuring design consistency and compliance with the project scope, technical requirements, relevant codes and standards (e.g. ASME, BS EN), and applicable legislation (e.g. PESR, PSSR). This role is critical to the creation of the world’s largest tritium research facility with specific business case requirements to: Enabling continued research, development, qualification of tritium fuel cycle technologies and development of the supply chain. The facility will support UKAEA, fusion power plant designers, universities, and start-ups in testing and validating equipment and processing technologies for future commercial fusion power plants. Leading the mechanical design and development from concept through to commissioning of complex systems for the H3AT Tritium Plant acting as a subject matter expert and reviewer to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance throughout the design lifecycle. Ensuring alignment with project scope, technical requirements, relevant codes and standards (e.g. ASME, BS EN), and applicable legislation (e.g. PESR, PSSR). Managing the full lifecycle delivery of mechanical systems, from concept design through to commissioning and operational handover, ensuring effective interface coordination, construction methodology planning, and integration with internal teams. This includes preparing technical documentation, training materials, and asset registers, while driving lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance future project outcomes. Leading the production and approval of technical documentation including specifications, datasheets, calculations, and drawings, ensuring outputs meet the highest standards of technical excellence and support the long-term development of the fusion industry. Qualifications Essential A relevant degree or equivalent and experience in delivery of complex engineering projects and/or programmes Experience in the design of complex process plant and equipment for handling radioactive materials or other hazardous materials. Expert knowledge of the challenges involved in the design and build of tritium plants at component, assembly, system and facility levels In depth working knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. PESR, PSSR), codes and standards(e.g. ASME B31.3, ASME VIII), including the use of unlisted components. Experience in the production and review of technical documentation including specifications, datasheets, calculations, and drawings. With specific experience relating to piping and vessels (pressure and vacuum) Experience of safety management systems, including HAZID, HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA/FMECA, risk assessments. Experience in the use of risk registers and risk management Desirable Experience in the commissioning of a process plant, or in a laboratory environment, and handling radioactive materials or other hazardous materials Experience in the maintenance and/or operation of a process plant, or in a laboratory environment, and handling radioactive materials or other hazardous materials Experienced in the selection of materials and equipment for tritium service A strong understanding of radiological hazards Chartered Engineer (or actively working towards) status with a suitable professional institution or equivalent demonstrable endorsement from peers Expert knowledge of tritium, tritium related systems and material compatibility Additional Information A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/ UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds who want to help us achieve our mission. We are under-represented from some groups and so want to encourage applications in particular from women in STEM, people from Black British Caribbean and African backgrounds and from Pakistani and Bangladeshi British backgrounds. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) and Wellbeing and our EDI Networks actively promote Inclusion and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success. UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information. Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.

Responsibilities

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is responsible for leading the mechanical design and development of the H3AT Tritium Plant throughout its design lifecycle. This includes managing the full lifecycle delivery of mechanical systems and ensuring compliance with project scope and technical requirements.