Control Engineer

Working arrangements

Please note this role does offer hybrid working, our model sets out a minimum 60% onsite / 40% home working split.

Overview

We are seeking a control engineer to join our multidisciplinary Plasma Control Team, to help us push the limits of plasma performance in our current ST40 tokamak and future high-field spherical tokamaks (STs). The successful candidate will contribute to operating our devices, with an emphasis on the development of our Plasma Control System (PCS). An ideal candidate has the ability and enthusiasm to learn new skills and concepts. The role is set within a team of experts and the candidate’s development will be supported.

In this role, you will

• Contribute to the development of advanced plasma control solutions, which can include:

              enabling real-time communication with a new set of measurements or actuator systems,

              real-time signal processing,

              implementing new real-time plasma state observers,

              design and implement feedback control law for new sets of control variables,

              develop off-line control-oriented tools to optimize plasma scenarios and calculate PCS feedforward requests

• Participate in planning, running, and analysis of experiments with a focus on PCS performance and its continuous improvements.
• Use existing plasma physics codes and PCS software tools to carry out modelling related to operating scenarios and plasma control of both ST40 and future devices.
• Develop, test and maintain the ST40 Pulse Scheduling System (PSS) and Plasma Control System software, aid these systems’ integration.
• Work closely with internal and external collaborators.

 Requirements

 Essential

• Good understanding of Control Engineering fundamental principles.
• Ability and enthusiasm to learn new skills and concepts
• Ability to break down projects into smaller steps, each deployable into production, with subsequent continuous improvements (Agile)
• Experience working at the interface of physics and engineering, ideally in magnetic fusion devices, operating them, and analysing their data
• Experience in interpretative or predictive modelling of physical systems that are realised in an engineered device, ideally modelling of fusion plasmas.
• Higher degree in, control engineering, or closely related equivalent experience, ideally in plasma control
• Motivated to approach project setbacks creatively and proactively seek solutions, in order to deliver against challenging objectives in a compressed timescale.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C, Linux
• Ability to contribute effectively in a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and technicians.
• Outstanding problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work efficiently on one’s own initiative.

Desirable

• Proficiency in real-time Linux
• Proficiency in Machine Learning.
• Familiarity with software development best practices, Git, and the V-model.
• Experimental data analysis experience.
• Willingness to develop existing and new collaborations.
• Track record of scientific publications.

• Salary dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Discretionary 3-day festive break depending on business needs
• Eligible for discretionary performance related bonus
• Share options scheme
• Pension scheme
• Financial benefits – including; group life insurance, critical illness, health cash plan and discount scheme 
• Innovation and Merit bonuses
• Investment in training and development to support career progression
• Opportunity to work on and contribute to world class innovation

Company background

What if there was a limitless, safe, clean, low-cost energy source, providing much needed global energy security?  What if that energy source could also help address climate change?  The answer is fusion energy – the power of the stars. Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford with have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion.

In addition to fusion, Tokamak Energy is recognised as a world leader in transformative High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on enabling new levels of performance and becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets, including renewable energy, medicine, science and propulsion in water, land, air and space. 

The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from UK Atomic Energy Authority, currently employs a growing team of over 260 people with experts from the UK and around the world.  It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities.  The company has more than 75 families of patent applications and has raised $335 million, comprising $275m from private investors and $60m from the UK and U.S. governments.  Our U.S. subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.

Come and be a part of a dynamic and innovative team striving to provide a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: clean and sustainable fusion energy for all.

Important information for candidates

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.

We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.

If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.