Head of Integrated Software Solutions

Job content

Company DescriptionBy 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 are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow’s fusion power stations with the aim of bringing fusion electricity to the grid. As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values (Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative) that capture the spirit of how we work.Job DescriptionWho are we looking for?UKAEA has set an ambitious challenge of putting Fusion energy onto the national grid by the 2040s. For this to succeed, traditional engineering techniques need to be supplemented and transformed through the use of advanced digital tools and software. This role is a once in a generation opportunity to lead the transformation of how fusion energy plants are designed and built, through new software solutions and ways of working.This role requires an ambitious and visionary leader who can adopt cutting edge technologies and approaches to transform software solutions at UKAEA. They need to grow and develop a team of talented software engineers and influence how software is developed in other divisions. They should have significant experience in an R&D or engineering environment and expect to transform digital engineering through the development and use of new software tools. Software solutions will reduce engineering design risk through the development and use of verified and validated models that can robustly predict real world behaviours.What will you be responsible for?The Head of Software Solutions leads a large central software engineering unit encompassing a wide diversity of roles, activities, platforms, and technologies. The groups within the unit are responsible for dissemination of high-quality software engineering processes across the Authority, as well as the implementation and maintenance of tools and applications across both corporate and research functions.

• Provide strategic leadership for the software engineering profession at UKAEA
• Work with UKAEA stakeholders at all levels to anticipate needs, provide strategic advice and deliver the most effective software solutions
• Lead and manage UKAEA’s central Software Solutions unit and motivate and develop the staff
• Transform UKAEA activities through modern software, data and simulation solutions
• Develop opportunities outside the organisation for collaboration, partnership and/or bringing in income

QualificationsEssential skills, experience and competence required

• Degree (or relevant experience) in a STEM subject
• Substantial experience of software engineering in an R&D environment, including responsibility for managing software in production
• Excellent understanding of modern software engineering practices to support quality, innovation and teamwork, and how to apply and adapt them to non-standard situations
• Broad familiarity with a wide range of software and data technologies and approaches applicable to scientific and engineering organisations for purposes, sufficient to engage intelligently in planning, technical leadership, quality and operational decision making
• Ability to manage broad portfolios of work, ensuring systems and roles are in place to prioritise goals, manage budgets and schedules, and communicate with stakeholders whilst enabling agile, iterative, quality-driven approaches to software delivery
• Significant people management experience for varied teams of 20+ technology professionals and ability to define and establish new capabilities and develop others as leaders
• Ability to communicate, build trust and influence at all levels

Desirable Skills, Experience And Competence

• Masters degree or equivalent knowledge/experience in a relevant STEM subject
• Track record of strategic leadership and establishing broad networks and partnerships

Additional InformationWhat we offerOur comprehensive benefits package includes a vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive, an Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, Flexible working options including family friendly policies, Emergencypaidleave, Generous annual leave allowance(30.5 days) increased with length of service, wide range of career development opportunities, outstanding defined benefit pension scheme; Corporate bonus scheme(up to 7% for Levels 1 - 7, as well as 3rd and 4th year apprentices) and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities and women. The Executive team with support from our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success.Please note all employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Disclosure Certificate application as part of their clearance – The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will show the details of all current criminal convictions or will confirm that there are no such convictions.Note for applicants who are applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If the country you are resident in or have resided in is not listed on this website or that the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state then we are unable to process your application.