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

The Role

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

We offer excellent opportunities for motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate students studying at UK Universities to join our 8-12-week summer placement scheme. The scheme is designed for students entering their penultimate or final year of studies, with potential opportunities post-graduation.

Our scheme gives you a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of one of the most advanced sources of sustainable and clean energy. During your summer programme, you will experience a broad range of diverse tasks, work on real projects, and gain invaluable experience within the fusion energy sector. UKAEA offers a nurturing and supportive community for you to gain some valuable work experience in a fascinating and rapidly evolving industry.

The Advanced Control Unit of the Computing Division is looking for a student to learn about fusion operations and create a prototype tool which would be useful for some of our programme work for STEP.

Role-Specific / Technical Accountabilities

Support the development of a prototype training and testing application for fusion operations, using computer-games-based methods and tools. Apply programming and software development skills to create early operator training solutions and prototype control-system testing tools. Work with the Advanced Control Unit (ACU) to explore efficient simulation and training approaches for plasma control, leveraging open games platforms and related technologies. Deliver assigned technical tasks aligned with project objectives, ensuring code quality, documentation, and iterative development are maintained. Use provided domain knowledge and coaching from ACU to understand fusion operational contexts and apply this understanding in tool development.

Collaboration/Communication

Work collaboratively with ACU colleagues and other Computing Division staff when required, contributing positively to team activities and knowledge sharing. Communicate effectively with team members, explaining technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues. Produce clear written updates, documentation, and reports as needed for project progress.

Additional Information

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, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please let us know if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

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