Vacuum Systems Engineer (Fusion Energy)

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 practical, hands-on engineer who enjoys solving problems, working with advanced equipment and contributing to cutting-edge technology. This role would suit someone from a vacuum, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, process plant, Formula One, research laboratory, aerospace, energy or similar high-tech engineering environment.

What You'll Be Doing

You will support the operation, maintenance and development of our Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) and Ultra-High Purity (UHP) gas systems and be involved in:

• Vacuum system assembly and testing
• Leak detection and troubleshooting
• Vacuum pump maintenance and servicing
• UHV cleaning and component preparation
• Process pipework and gas system installation
• Vacuum instrumentation and gauge calibration
• Technical investigations and root cause analysis
• Preparing procedures, reports and engineering documentation
• Supporting the operation of Tokamak Energy's fusion programme
• Working safely within laboratory and engineering environments

Essential

• Practical engineering experience within a technical, laboratory, manufacturing or industrial environment
• Experience working with vacuum systems, gas systems, process plant or similar equipment
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting skills
• Experience assembling, testing or maintaining engineering systems
• Ability to analyse technical data and produce reports
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A proactive approach to problem solving
• Commitment to safe working practices

Desirable

• Experience with Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) systems
• Experience with Ultra-High Purity (UHP) gas systems
• Helium leak detection experience
• Cryogenic or LN2 experience
• Knowledge of vacuum pumps, gauges and calibration techniques
• Experience reading engineering drawings and schematics
• HND, Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering or Physics

• Salary range up to £50,000 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.