Lead Cryogenics Engineer

Company Description

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] (UKFE) Ltd, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), is at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

Job Description

You will be a core member of the Power & Cooling Integrated Project Team, reporting to the Head of Engineering – Power & Cooling, and play a key role in delivering the cryogenic systems that enable the operation of the STEP Prototype Powerplant.

As Lead Cryogenics Engineer, you will lead and own the design of the cryoplant and cryogenic distribution systems, providing critical expertise at the interface with the tokamak and other sub-systems requiring cryogenic cooling. You will also lead associated technology development programmes to mature the design and reduce technical risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Cryogenics Subject Matter Expert across the STEP programme
• Lead the end‑to‑end design of cryogenic systems and sub‑systems from concept to detailed design
• Own the technical integrity, safety, performance and manufacturability of the cryoplant and cryogenic distribution network
• Provide cryogenic modelling and analysis capability to support system design, optimisation and validation
• Lead and develop a multi‑disciplinary team of engineers, providing technical leadership and assurance
• Own and deliver cryogenic technology development and testing programmes, including physical and digital modelling activities
• Apply systems engineering principles to manage requirements, interfaces, risks and trade‑offs
• Lead technical engagement with suppliers and partners, acting as an intelligent customer for externally delivered scope
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards, regulations and engineering governance processes
• Support internal and external interfaces to ensure alignment, integration and successful delivery
• Demonstrate a strong leadership mindset, fostering collaboration, inclusion and high engineering standards

Qualifications

Essential

• A relevant engineering degree or equivalent
• Extensive experience of complex engineering projects
• Proven experience of developing and delivering complex cryoplant and cryogenic major systems and sub systems
• Proven experience of developing and delivering complex cryogenics equipment and components, such as turbo expanders, gas compressors, cryogenic heat exchangers, cold boxes, cryogenic circulators, warm and cold gas storage and cryogenic networks
• Experience in designing, commissioning and operating cryogenic systems operating at 4°K, 20°K and/or 80°K
• Excellent understanding of UK regulations, codes and standards for cryogenic systems
• Proven capability in engineering analysis
• Proven track record of working safely and designing for safety
• Ability to perform exploratory design calculations using first principles
• Broad and deep understanding of engineering design, manufacture, testing, operations and related processes
• Strategic and innovative thinker
• Good communication and technical writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Commitment to modern Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality Assurance standards
• Proven experience of managing teams up to 5 individuals
• Proven experience of managing significant external contracts (£500k or higher)

Beneficial

• Chartered status with a suitable professional institution
• Experience with fusion-relevant environmental factors such as cryoplant and cryodistribution systems for superconducting magnets, cryopumps, tokamak thermal shields
• Experience in designing for the fusion industry or tokamak related systems
• Experience in designing, commissioning and operating large cryogenic installations with cooling power ca. 10 kW+ at 4.5 K
• Understanding of modern project management tools

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation.

UKFE is committed to being accessible. Please email [contact hidden] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including DBS checks.

The closing date to apply for this position is the 27th May 2026.