The posting
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.
We're looking for a Mechanical Engineer to support the development of high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technologies used in advanced fusion energy systems and other cutting-edge applications.
This role is focused on the mechanical and structural design, analysis and development of superconducting magnets. You'll work on complex engineering challenges involving structural modelling, material behaviour, thermal performance and mechanical integrity of magnet systems.
If your background is in finite element analysis, structural simulation and mechanical engineering using tools such as ANSYS Mechanical and ANSYS Workbench, we'd like to hear from you. This is not primarily an electromagnetic modelling role.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop mechanical and structural designs for HTS magnet systems.
- Build, validate and improve detailed finite element models using ANSYS Mechanical and ANSYS Workbench.
- Analyse stresses, strains, thermal effects and structural performance of complex magnet assemblies.
- Own the mechanical development of magnet designs from concept through testing and validation.
- Maintain and develop the mechanical materials database, ensuring appropriate material models are used within simulations.
- Work closely with test engineers to correlate physical test data with simulation results.
- Produce clear technical reports and recommendations based on modelling and experimental findings.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support programme delivery and technology development.
- Support prototyping, testing and commercialisation activities.
Requirements
Essential
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
- Strong experience in structural analysis and finite element modelling.
- Advanced knowledge of ANSYS Mechanical and ANSYS Workbench.
- Experience analysing complex mechanical systems and structures.
- Understanding of material properties, structural behaviour and engineering validation methods.
- Ability to interpret test results and correlate them with simulation outputs.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary engineering environments.
Desirable
- Experience of superconducting magnets, cryogenic systems or high-field technologies.
- Experience using MATLAB or Python.
- Experience within fusion, aerospace, energy, scientific research or other high-technology sectors.
- Familiarity with COMSOL or coupled multiphysics environments.
Benefits
- Salary range up to £65,000 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.
