Control Systems Software Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 6, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 5, 2026. United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority scores B on the Alion truth index.
About us
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 organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.
About the job
Do you want to join UKAEA and be part of a team developing innovative technologies that will help shape the future of remote engineering? At RACE, you will contribute to our ambition to become an internationally recognised centre of technical excellence in Remote Applications in Challenging Environments, delivering complex engineering solutions, advancing new technologies and supporting UK industry.
As a Control Systems Software Engineer, you will apply your expertise in control systems and software engineering to develop solutions for robotic remote handling and associated systems. You will play an active role in designing, developing and delivering innovative research and engineering projects, helping to push the boundaries of technology.
What You’ll Be Doing
Design, develop and maintain software for robotic and remote handling systems, including graphical user interfaces and human-machine interfaces.
Support the specification, integration, testing and commissioning of control systems and remote handling equipment, ensuring operational readiness.
Provide specialist technical support throughout project delivery, including procurement of control system components and engineering services.
Deliver assigned work packages, contribute to research and development activities, and ensure project objectives and milestones are achieved.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, providing technical input to business development, proposals, bids and networking activities.
What You’ll Bring
Essential
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Control Systems Engineering, Robotics or related subjects.
- Demonstrable experience in control systems development, ideally for robotics or automation. applications, supported by strong software development skills and proficiency in core engineering principles.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to function as part of a team.
- Experience with Object-oriented design paradigm.
Desirable
Experience in a relevant engineering field, with demonstrable programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
Knowledge of software engineering principles for delivering high-quality code bases and practices, including software lifecycle management, version control, documentation and optimisation.
Background in mathematical modelling of kinematic and dynamic models of physical systems.
Existing professional registration or evidence of working towards them.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas: PLC systems, AI techniques (including machine learning and computer vision), human-machine interface design and implementation, or control systems design for servo-actuator systems.
UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs. We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.
Benefits
We have a generous range of benefits (see the full list here) and highlights include:
- A salary of £43,702 (inclusive of a £3,300 specialist allowance)
- Up to 7% corporate performance bonus
- Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
- 25 days annual leave plus 2.5 'privilege' days; 8 Bank Holidays
- Additional 3 days of site closure over Christmas break
- Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions
Our commitment to ED&I
UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates.
We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. All appointments are made on merit and further information can be found here.