Year in Industry - Applied Materials Technology

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.

The vision of the Applied Materials Technology (AMT) Group is to become the global leader in the provision of validated material property data – and its associated R&D technologies – consistent with the requirements of current and future fusion plant. This vision is convergent with that of the Fusion Technology (FT) Division, which is to enable the development and qualification of fusion device equipment for service in commercial fusion power plant.  

As a year in industry student, you will undertake one or more linked research projects (under the mentorship of senior staff) aligned to AMT’s key research areas: experimental mechanics, materials characterisation and digital materials technologies. As part of delivering these projects you will develop your knowledge of fusion materials technology and engineering research practice. You will also develop general professional skills in presenting, project management, communication and reporting progress on technical work.    

Your core responsibilities:

• Perform low- to medium-complexity technical tasks under supervision in support of projects across AMT’s key research areas, including experimental mechanics, materials characterisation, and digital materials technologies.
• Develop technical capability in a selected research area through supervised work and independent study.
• Undertake a range of technical activities to build familiarity with group and divisional methods, practices, systems, and programmes.
• Assist with the design, operation, maintenance, and demonstration of experimental and technical equipment.
• Build knowledge of fusion-relevant topics and apply this understanding to assigned projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve experimental apparatus, process systems, and operational methodologies.
• Collaborate effectively with other teams and groups to build networks and support project delivery.
• Work in accordance with UKAEA Safety, Health, and Environment requirements, promoting a strong safety culture.
• Support the wider Fusion Technology Division through knowledge sharing, contribution to early career projects, and collaborative working.
• Communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, championing best practice, inclusion, and continuous improvement across UKAEA.

• Studying towards a degree in a STEM discipline 
• Confident with all Microsoft applications including Excel, Word and Powerpoint
• Demonstrable ability to question existing scientific models and produce high quality written reports.  
• Driven, with a strong appetite to learn and take on new challenges
• Able to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Well organised and adaptable with the ability to plan and prioritise workload

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

• £23,810 base salary
• Final salary defined benefit scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working options

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. Further information can be found here. UKAEA is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis.