Our role in fusion engineering
At UKAEA, our engineers enable the journey to sustainable fusion energy by solving complex challenges and building the systems that make fusion possible.
The Engineering Division (ED) provides comprehensive expertise across the lifecycle of fusion power plants and research facilities – from concept design and prototyping through to installation, operation, and decommissioning.
Our teams combine cutting-edge science and engineering, digital design, and practical know-how to deliver innovative solutions for UKAEA programmes, industry partners, and international collaborations.
Technical disciplines
Our engineers cover a wide range of disciplines critical to fusion energy:
- Electrical engineering – from control and instrumentation to power systems design and distribution.
- Systems and design engineering – transforming ideas into fully digital designs, moving from traditional documentation to integrated digital engineering solutions.
- Fabrication, installation, and maintenance – manufacturing and assembly, vacuum and HVAC systems, plant maintenance, and welding expertise for live fusion facilities.
- Product and process engineering – integrating complex systems, ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency across fusion programmes.
- Fusion engineering – specialised solutions for plasma-facing components, tritium breeding systems, cryogenics, and plasma exhaust technologies.
- Mechanical and Structural Engineering – engineering design and validation of structures and pressure vessels
- Engineering simulation and analysis – multidisciplinary dynamic and static analyses, including thermal, magnetic and radiation interactions
Capability overview
We provide world-class expertise in:
- Integrated design and assurance
- Electronics, control, and instrumentation
- Power distribution and electrical safety
- Process and systems engineering
- Maintenance of complex industrial plants
- Fabrication, assembly, and installation
- Engineering legislative compliance (PUWER, PSSR, LOLER, EAWR)
- Plasma-facing structures, plasma heating, and cryogenic systems
- Digital engineering methods (e.g., MBSE, advanced analysis tools)
- In-vessel plasma-facing structures
- Plasma heating and exhaust systems
- Cryogenic mechanical systems
- Tritium breeding structures
- Heat transfer systems
- Engineering site services
Case studies
Research highlights
- Developing advanced plasma heating and exhaust systems for UKAEA’s major facilities (MAST Upgrade, H3AT, CHIMERA).
- Supporting STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), the UK’s prototype fusion power plant, with whole-plant engineering expertise.
- Delivering enabling technologies for ITER and international collaborations.
- Driving digital transformation in engineering – from document-based systems to model-based design.
- Pioneering novel manufacturing and welding methods for unique fusion components.
- Developing advanced power systems and safety methodologies.
- Leading digital engineering strategies to accelerate fusion plant design.
Team expertise
Our division brings together more than 400 engineers, technicians, and specialists. From early-career apprentices to internationally recognised experts, our people combine creativity, rigour, and practical experience.
We provide clear career pathways, training, and development to grow the next generation of engineers for the UK and global fusion industry.
Equipment and facilities supporting this expertise
We are equipped with advanced tools, labs, and facilities that support high-quality work across disciplines. Our work is enabled by specialist facilities, including:
- High-voltage and power systems labs
- Electronics and prototyping workshops
- On-site fabrication, welding, and machining workshops
- Test rigs for fusion-relevant plant systems
- Digital design tools and modelling environments
Opportunities to collaborate
We work with industry, academia, and international partners to deliver engineering solutions that enable fusion energy and generate economic growth.
Whether you are looking to collaborate on design, testing, or scaling solutions, our engineering expertise is here to support you.