Systems Engineering Manager - UKIFS

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

As Systems Engineering Manager, you will lead the systems engineering capability for the STEP programme, ensuring the integration of plant-wide systems and delivery of a robust, cohesive design. You’ll drive the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in a pioneering context, shaping how fusion powerplants are designed and delivered.

As Systems Engineering Manager, you will play a pivotal role in delivering an integrated design for the STEP prototype fusion plant. You’ll lead the systems engineering capability within UKIFS, applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in a ground breaking context and ensuring robust, cohesive solutions across the programme.

• Manage interface definitions and resolve technical conflicts between subsystems to maintain design integrity.
• Define and oversee the plant-level system architecture, ensuring seamless integration across all major systems and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
• Develop and articulate a clear vision for MBSE application within the STEP programme, recognising the unique challenges of fusion plant design.
• Collaborate with the Head of Engineering Governance to align systems engineering practices with broader engineering standards.
• Uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life in all aspects of your work.
• Make informed decisions that balance technical rigour with strategic programme goals.
• Build and sustain a high-performing team with the skills and mindset needed to deliver complex systems integration.
• Provide line management and leadership for the Design Authority’s systems engineering team.
• Ensure the team delivers high-quality system models and engineering outputs aligned with programme needs.
• Continuously improve MBSE capabilities, tools, and workflows to enhance engineering efficiency and quality.
• Lead the decomposition and traceability of requirements from plant-level down to subsystem level, ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
• Support professional development through coaching, mentoring, and training.
• Lead the development of tools, processes, and procedures to support systems engineering delivery across all IPTs.
• Facilitate and participate in technical design reviews and trade-off studies to evaluate alternative solutions and optimise system performance.
• Lead the development of system models and associated engineering deliverables for the whole plant and major systems.
• Develop and implement a consistent systems engineering strategy across the entire STEP programme.
• Serve as the technical authority for system-level decisions, guiding integration and design resolution across the programme.
• Promote MBSE adoption across all engineering teams, enabling consistent modelling practices and improved collaboration.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture aligned with UKIFS values.
• Define and deliver a systems engineering training and development strategy to build capability across the organisation.
• Drive organisational and technical change to embed MBSE across the engineering lifecycle.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open-source data.

• Experience with whole lifecycle systems engineering.
• Strong communicator and influencer, comfortable working outside of normal organisational boundaries.
• Technical decision-making and trade-off analysis.
• Application of MBSE, and specifically a familiarity with SYS-ML.
• Relevant degree in a recognised STEM subject area.
• Direct experience in system architecture and design.
• Experience in application of systems engineering in delivery of large, complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programmes.
• Demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and resilience in solving complex engineering challenges.
• Professional registration as Chartered Engineer.
• Membership/Accreditation with INCOSE.
• Experience in highly regulated or safety-critical industries.
• Proven engineering leader, with experience managing systems engineering teams.

Flexible working options including family friendly policies.

Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.

Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.

Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).

Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders,

Wide range of career development opportunities.

The salary for this role is £ £77,239 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible Working.