Environmental Engineer

Would you like to be part of a company dedicated to solving one of humanity's greatest challenges-energy production? At the UKIFS, we are at the forefront of cutting-edge research in nuclear fusion, a potential game-changer for sustainable energy.

Nuclear fusion is often referred to as the "holy grail" of energy. With abundant fuel sources found in seawater and experimental results showing that just 1 kilogram of fuel can generate 1500 megawatts of energy, the possibilities are immense. This revolutionary technology could provide virtually limitless, clean energy, solving many of the world's environmental challenges.

As leaders in nuclear fusion research, we are tackling multiple complex challenges and seeking talented individuals to join us in turning fusion energy into a reality. By doing so, we aim to help address global environmental issues and create a future with abundant, sustainable energy.

The UKIFS's goal is to build the first Fusion Reactor to be connected to the grid and remain on.

Job Title: Environmental Engineer

Location: UKAEA, Culham and/or West Burton (with regular travel between sites)
Department: STEP Programme
Reports to: Environmental Technical Lead

UKAEA is seeking an experienced and motivated Environmental Engineer to join the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme. As an integral member of the team, you will play a key role in delivering environmental aspects of this major programme, working alongside the Environmental Technical Lead and other stakeholders. You will lead the development and creation of Environmental Cases and associated technical documentation, while also managing smaller environmental work packages independently.

In this role, you will provide expert advice and support during the implementation stages and work closely with consultants, internal teams, and external resources to progress environmental objectives. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of environmental regulations, sustainability legislation, and the ability to integrate these into the engineering design process.

• Technical Expertise: Serve as the technical expert on environmental issues within the STEP programme, providing guidance and support to ensure that environmental requirements are fully integrated into the design and delivery of new plant and equipment.

• Environment Case Development: Lead the creation and development of Environment Cases for new designs, working alongside the UKAEA Safety Case team to ensure compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

• Procurement Strategy: Collaborate with the Environmental Technical Lead to scope and plan procurement strategies for outsourced specialist work related to environmental aspects of the programme.

• Best Available Techniques (BAT) Workshops: Plan and run workshops on BAT, as well as facilitate Environmental Impact Identification (ENVID) exercises, ensuring that deliverables are well-planned and executed.

• Environmental Impact Reviews: Review the outputs of environmental studies and assist with the evaluation of external service providers' performance, ensuring high standards are maintained.

• Risk Management: Assess environmental-related risks across programmes and develop mitigation strategies, escalating risks to the Environmental Lead when necessary.

• Team Integration: Foster effective collaboration between teams by providing integration on environmental matters, ensuring cooperation across different project teams and departments.

• ISO14001 Compliance: Assist in the integration of environmental work within the programme in alignment with the corporate ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

• Training & Development: Provide training and upskilling to teams on environmental legislation and sustainability requirements to ensure compliance and best practices are followed.

• Documentation & Reporting: Create, maintain, and expedite environmental documentation and actions, ensuring all environmental work is well-documented and aligned with programme requirements.

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, with environmental and/or engineering qualifications preferred.

• Strong understanding of the ISO14001 standard, ideally with experience in the certification process.

• In-depth knowledge of environmental and sustainability legislation, as well as government standards.

• Demonstrated experience embedding Best Available Techniques (BAT) and conducting Environmental Impact Identification (ENVID) on complex projects.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships within multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise reports.

• Highly organised, methodical, and able to demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently on smaller work packages with minimal direction.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working on nuclear or large-scale energy projects.

• Experience with environmental reporting and regulatory compliance in high-stakes environments.

• Travel Requirements: This role is based at the Culham and/or West Burton sites, with regular travel between sites expected.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.