Operations & Process Engineer

Tokamak Energy is a global leader in fusion energy and high temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies. We work with governments and industry to develop and bring fusion and HTS solutions to market through innovation and strategic partnerships. A major part of this is our end to end capability in HTS systems, from design to manufacturing.

We are the Magnet Systems Partner for the UK Government's STEP Fusion programme, under a £70 million contract running to 2029, working with UK Fusion Energy to deliver HTS magnet systems for the STEP prototype power plant, while also contributing to tokamak systems and plasma integration.

Founded in 2009 as a spin-out from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Tokamak Energy is headquartered in Oxfordshire, with subsidiaries in the United States and Japan. Today, we employ over 300 people and have secured more than £280 million in investment.

We operate through three divisions:

Fusion - Fusion energy technologies, expertise and testbeds for government and private fusion programmes, including ST40, the world’s highest field spherical tokamak.

TE Magnetics - HTS systems for commercial applications including fusion energy, power distribution, life sciences, and propulsion.

Ridgway Machines - Manufacturing equipment for the superconducting, electrical and wider energy sectors, enabling the rapid industrialisation of HTS products.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an Operations & Process Engineer to play a pivotal role in the industrialisation of an innovative manufacturing environment. This is a highly visible position that sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, quality, EHS, projects and supply chain.

You will help transform development activities into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes. You will take ownership of operational challenges, drive continuous improvement, and help establish the systems, workflows and production capability required to support growth and delivery objectives.

This role will appeal to someone who enjoys creating structure, influencing across multiple teams, and driving change in a fast-moving environment where priorities can evolve quickly.

Key Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing operations by developing safe, capable and efficient processes.
• Lead investigations into operational, quality and process-related challenges, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Coordinate activities across Operations, Quality, EHS, Engineering, Supply Chain and Project teams to ensure successful delivery of business objectives.
• Drive operational improvement projects focused on quality, delivery, productivity and cost performance.
• Develop and optimise manufacturing processes, systems and documentation.
• Support the transition of products from development into repeatable production environments.
• Establish and improve manufacturing workflows, value streams and production processes.
• Monitor operational performance through KPIs and implement improvement plans where required.
• Promote Lean and continuous improvement methodologies throughout the organisation.

In this role, you will:

• Help move products from prototype and development stages into reliable, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Create and improve value streams that support operational efficiency and business growth.
• Build strong relationships across multiple functions and influence outcomes without direct management responsibility.
• Deliver projects and improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance.
• Bring structure, consistency and operational excellence to a developing manufacturing environment.

Working Pattern

This is a full-time permanent position based in Abingdon. Given the operational nature of the role, a predominantly on-site presence is expected.

Requirements

Essential Experience

• Experience in a Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Production Engineer or similar role.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and process improvement activities.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience creating, improving or implementing manufacturing processes and workflows.
• Understanding of production KPIs, process control and operational performance measurement.
• Experience coordinating projects and balancing multiple priorities.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working within changing or evolving operational environments.

Desirable Experience

• Production line design or manufacturing industrialisation experience.
• Experience with value stream mapping and process design.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Experience with ERP or MRP systems.
• Experience in advanced manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of SPC, process capability analysis and quality improvement tools.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and scale-up activities.
• Supplier management or capital equipment project experience.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and hands-on approach.
• Comfortable working in an ambiguous, evolving environment.
• Resilient and adaptable when priorities change.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Delivery-focused with excellent organisational skills.
• Collaborative, influential and relationship-driven.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Salary range £50,000 to £65,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, plus discretionary festive shutdown
• Performance-led rewards including discretionary bonus, innovation and merit schemes
• Share options - a stake in our future success
• Pension and comprehensive financial protection package including death in service and critical illness cover
• Health and wellbeing support, including cash plan and 24/7 assistance
• Ongoing investment in your growth with training and career progression
• Be part of world-changing innovation in Fusion Energy

Important information for candidates

No terminology in the advert or job description is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

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.