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 reduce climate change? We believe that’s fusion energy. Tokamak Energy is a leading global commercial fusion energy company based near Oxford, UK. We have an unrivalled track record designing and operating spherical tokamaks; the optimal route to commercial fusion energy.

In addition to fusion energy, Tokamak Energy is recognised as the leader in High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnet, design, numerical modelling, and prototyping. Our dedicated HTS magnet team, in collaboration with key manufacturing partners, is focussed on becoming the leading supplier of HTS magnets to multiple markets.

The company, founded in 2009 as a spin-off from the UK’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, currently employs a growing team of over 250 people with experts from the UK and around the world. It combines world leading scientific, engineering, industrial and commercial capabilities. The company has 70 families of patent applications and has raised $250 million, comprising $200m from private investors and $50m from the UK and US governments. Our US subsidiary, Tokamak Energy Inc, was established in 2019.

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

Overview of the role

A position is available in the Plasma-facing Components (PFC) team for a CFD/MHD Analyst. The successful candidate will be responsible for the integrated analysis workflow of divertor systems and other plasma-facing components. This includes novel materials and coolants for in-vessel tokamak components for present and future fusion devices at Tokamak Energy. The candidate will have a methodical but practical mindset, capable of evaluating and selecting emerging technologies through advanced analysis techniques, able to understand experimental data; organised, self-driven and able to work to defined timescales.

The main objective of the role is to carry out computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of electrically conducting magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) liquids (molten metals) in various environments.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver CFD/MHD analysis in line with the development plan related to the design, experimental validation, physics integration and testing activities of liquid metal tokamak components.
• Define and analyse relevant testing activities in coordination with tokamak physics and engineering designers, as required for the next generation of fusion devices.
• Assist in development or modification of CFD/MHD simulation software.
• Participate in the design of novel liquid metal tokamak components, monitoring internal and external analysis and qualification.
• Manage analysis and assessment interfaces, liaising with physicists and engineers responsible for other tokamak systems’ R&D, power supplies, HTS magnet design and overall integration.
• Monitor external development of novel techniques
• Liaising with external contractors and researchers for the supply of technology development solutions.
• Plan dedicated experiments, measurements, and test-rigs for PFC development

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our Occupational Health Service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:

• Work in hot or cold environments
• Driving on Company business
• Regular manual handling
• Travel outside of Europe or North America on company business

Requirements

Essential

• PhD/Degree in a relevant physics or engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in performing CFD computations.
• Experience in performing MHD computations.
• Experience in development of simulation software.
• Experience of working in a team of scientists and/or engineers.
• Highly motivated to deliver against challenging objectives in a compressed timescale
• Ability to contribute effectively in a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists
• Willingness to learn new techniques and technologies
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Organised approach to complex problems

Desirable

• Experience in simulation of liquid metal, salts, hot fluids in general.
• Experience in simulation of free-surface liquids.
• Experience using commercial (ANSYS, COMSOL) or open source (OpenFOAM, Salome-Meca) simulation packages.
• Experience working in aerospace, nuclear, and/or fusion fields would be a plus.
• Understanding and awareness of intellectual property
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Ability to devise and operate effective project schedules
• Creativity and innovation

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Company pension scheme
• Eligible for company share option scheme
• Company bonus scheme, discretionary, dependant on performance
• Private medical insurance after 3 months service
• Cycle to work scheme

No terminology in the advert or job description is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

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.

Working arrangements

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

Part time working or job share options will be reviewed on an individual basis.