Head of RAICo Technology

Company Description

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 groundbreaking 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."

Job Description

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.
• 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

UKAEA’s pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit. Now is a great time to join the Organisation and be part of the journey.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and be eligible for SC Clearance (must have resided in the UK for the last 5 years), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy and beyond.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) is a four-way collaboration between UKAEA, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester. The focus is on providing robotics and AI solutions to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges. As Head of RAICo Technology, you will play a pivotal role in directing, managing, and expanding RAICo technical programmes to meet the evolving needs of the collaboration. You'll provide crucial technical input across all facets of RAICo's operations, from strategy and governance to financial management and safety.

Additionally, your leadership will be instrumental in guiding the development of RAICo's technical strategy within the broader UKAEA framework, identifying emerging technologies, and integrating RAICo's capabilities across the organisation. Through proactive collaboration and strategic influence, you'll help maximize opportunities to enhance RAICo's programme capabilities for both fusion and non-fusion applications, ensuring a sustainable future for UKAEA's mission in fusion energy.

If you have a proven track record of effectively challenging and influencing senior management and external stakeholders, as well as experience in developing and implementing technical strategies within an R&D setting, and you are a recognized expert in a relevant field, with a strong existing network across industry and academia, we invite you to reach out to us.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with RAICo leadership to define and align the technical programme, managing technical interactions with internal initiatives for optimal benefit.
• Provide technical leadership for Technology Programme contracts and work streams, ensuring quality, timely completion, and adherence to budget.
• Direct bidding proposals with the RAICo Business Manager, aligning with UKAEA strategy and determining Technology strategy for relevant mission statements and development goals.
• Lead integration of Technology strategy with other UKAEA entities, develop and review the RAICo business plan, and seek additional support outside programme funding through collaboration with external partners.

Please note that as part of this role, you will be responsible for a budget exceeding £2 million, while other duties may include conducting media interviews and other general PR events on behalf of the Authority, attending Board meetings on technology strategy, presenting UKAEA work at national and international meetings, and membership of appropriate external boards and committees.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• Degree in an engineering or related discipline
• Demonstrable capability and judgement to initiate and develop technical programmes, influencing internal and external resource managers and delivering results
• Broad understanding of R&D work across a wide range of disciplines
• Demonstrate the ability to rationalise complex interactions between UK and international R&D programs and competing research streams funding

Additional information

A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI 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.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.