Mechanical Design Engineer
Abingdon Rd, Culham, UK
Full-time
Department: RACE Operations
Salary: £36,397 to £38,620 (inclusive of MPP) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Confirmed Grade: Level 4
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could use twice as much electricity as today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world's energy?

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy our world badly needs. UKAEA are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow's fusion power stations to bring fusion electricity to the grid.

Job Description

This is an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic and experienced mechanical design engineers to join the diverse and growing team in the Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) business unit. RACE specialises in developing remote handling and automated systems for environments in which it is difficult for people to conduct their work safely. This includes high radiation, extreme temperatures, limited access, and operation in vacuum and magnetic fields.

As part of the global programme for fusion, RACE is developing remote handling systems for the next generations of power stations. RACE is responsible for the equipment used to maintain and implement enhancements of the JET Tokamak. It actively designs and develops remote maintenance systems used in ITER and DEMO fusion reactors.

Beyond fusion, RACE is at the centre of the UK effort to apply novel technologies to all challenging and harsh environments to protect people and advance industry. RACE provides expertise to other sectors that routinely encounter such extreme conditions as conventional nuclear, space, petrochemical, construction, and mining.



What will you be responsible for?

RACE Mechanical Design Engineers design, develop, commission, test, maintain and operate tools and equipment for remote handling operations. The primary responsibilities of the role will include the following:

- Creation and design of effective remote handling mechanical robotic devices and tooling from concept through systems specifications to detailed design.
- Liaison with customers to report on project progress and to agree on priorities.
- Project management of design projects within budgetary and schedule limits.
- Managing the acceptance, testing, and commissioning of complex remote systems.

Please note you may be required to occasionally work in controlled areas, which would involve wearing personal protective equipment. If needed, all necessary training and registration for this will be provided.

Qualifications

Essential skills, experience and competence required:

- Engineering council recognised mechanical engineering degree or equivalent.

- Experience in mechanical / mechanism design and component selection/specification.

- Experience in design substantiation analysis using hand calculation and finite element techniques.

- Competent in generating technical documents and specifications.

- Experience in using 3D Computer Aided Engineering software, e.g., CAD package, Ansys, Mathcad, etc.

- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a larger team or group.

Desirable skills, experience and competence:

- Experience using CATIA V5.
- Experience in designing systems for harsh environments (e.g. nuclear, space, subsea).
- Experience in designing systems in regulated industries (e.g. nuclear, medical).
- Chartered status or working towards it.
- Professional Engineering Institution membership.

Additional Information

Benefits

RACE work is fascinating, exciting, and challenging. Learn more about some of the exciting RACE projects that you can be involved with, such as JET, ITER, ESS Active Cell Facility, LongOps, and many others.

Some of the benefits that we offer:

- Competitive salary
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working options, including family-friendly policies and part-time arrangements
- Generous 30.5 days annual leave allowance, increased with the length of service
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Emergency paid leave
- Wide range of career progression opportunities supported by our employee development programme
- Corporate bonus scheme, up to 7% Base Salary
- Relocation allowance (up to £8K, subject to eligibility)

Additional information

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised close date if large or sufficient applications are received.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities and women.

Please note all employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Disclosure Certificate application as part of their clearance. The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will show the details of all current criminal convictions or confirm no such convictions.

Note for applicants who are applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit the UK Government Website. If the country you reside in or have resided in is not listed on this website or the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state, then we cannot process your application.