Automation & Controls 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.

Help develop the manufacturing processes behind technology that has never existed before.

We're looking for a hands-on engineer to join our manufacturing team and help bridge the gap between research, development and scalable production.

This isn't a traditional process engineering role focused on maintaining established production lines. You'll be developing new manufacturing methods, supporting the introduction of novel technologies and helping turn innovative concepts into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes.

Success in this role will come from practical engineering experience, curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to solve problems where no established solution exists.

What you'll be doing

• Develop and improve manufacturing and assembly processes for advanced engineering products
• Support proof-of-concept activities and rapid technology development programmes
• Work closely with R&D, design and manufacturing teams to transition new technologies into production
• Lead process development activities from early concept through to production readiness
• Design, build and commission manufacturing tooling, jigs and fixtures
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and manufacturing scale-up projects
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process flows and control plans
• Conduct process risk assessments and support safe manufacturing operations
• Analyse process performance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Train and support technicians, operators and colleagues across manufacturing

Essential

• Experience in manufacturing, process, production or mechanical engineering
• Strong hands-on engineering skills, including mechanical assembly, tooling, machining or prototype development
• Experience developing, improving or implementing manufacturing processes
• Experience designing, building or commissioning manufacturing tooling or fixtures
• Excellent practical problem-solving skills
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments where requirements can evolve quickly
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of challenging engineering problems

Desirable experience

• Experience within aerospace, motorsport, Formula 1, advanced manufacturing or industrial R&D environments
• Exposure to automated manufacturing systems, robotics or PLC-controlled equipment
• Experience supporting machinery commissioning, process validation or manufacturing scale-up activities
• Understanding of quality control, process capability and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience writing manufacturing documentation and operating procedures

• Competitive salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset

• 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.