Mechanical Technician

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

What to expect in our recruitment process:
For a step-by-step overview of how we hire from application to offer please see our Recruitment Process page: careers.ukaea.uk/join-us/recruitment-process

The salary for this role is £42,858 (inclusive of a Specialist Allowance) .Onsite working is expected for 5 days a week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. 

This role can be based at any of the following sites; Culham, Oxfordshire

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data. 

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Mechanical Technician, you will play a pivotal role is to support the MAST-U Load Assembly Team during shutdown, including preparation for shutdown activities. Secondarily to support general mechanical tasks within the Tokamak Systems Unit when required. Mechanical systems to include vacuum, cooling, pressurised and electro-magnetic. This shall include construction of new systems and maintenance of existing systems including fault finding, and repair. As a mechanical technician you would be expected to supervise mechanical fitters and other junior craft effort. The exact duties will be determined by the individual’s skills and experience.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform maintenance, improvements and modifications of MAST-U by undertaking a wide range of works including large installation programmes during shutdowns and interventions to maximise the efficiency and availability of the system during operations as a team member.
• To document processes/procedures for the maintenance/installation/testing of equipment. Compiling work packages for work to be carried out, including writing safe systems of work.
• Support large scale/prestigious MAST-U projects. Such as in-vessel works, centre column and TF circuits and cooling systems.
• Provide mechanical technician support to the Plant Responsible Officers (PRO) and their deputies. All mandatory training will be provided by UKAEA for these systems and activities.
• Set and maintain high levels of safety on MAST. Promote good behavioural safety to drive improvements in culture, working conditions and professionalism. Support activities which support safety, including monitoring documentation such as risk assessments, keeping areas tidy and under control. Practice continual improvements in safety practices and behaviours. Adhere to regulatory requirements when working on plant. Understand and practice Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
• Expected to work mostly without direct continuous supervision; however, given the high hazard and complex nature of the work at UKAEA aspects of the role may be supervised by SQEP personnel. Supervise contract staff, fitters and general workers on the any number of MAST-U systems.

Essential Requirements:

• Must have served a recognised Apprenticeship or similar.
• Qualifications: Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Equivalent qualifications to those stated will be considered).
• Worked in an industrial setting, specifically mechanical assembly and maintenance, would be desirable.
• Experience of vacuum systems and understanding of electrical work, would be desirable.
• Knowledge of modern manufacturing techniques.
• Experience of working under a Written Safe System of Work/Method Statements/Risk Assessments.

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.