Software / Control Engineer

 

Main characteristics

Location

Culham, Oxfordshire

Company

UK Atomic Energy Authority

Employment type

Permanent

Category

IT

Job summary

Software / Control Engineer
Job Ref: 4266
Job Title: Software / Control Engineer
Job type: Permanent Full Time
Location: Culham, Oxfordshire
Salary: £35,486 - £51,385 (inclusive of MPP) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension scheme
Closing date: 1st December 2020
Do you have demonstrable experience with distributed control and data acquisition systems for large physics experiments or large industrial plant?
Do you want to help shape the future of the world's energy? If so, read on.
Nuclear fusion, the process that powers The Sun, can play a big part in our carbon-free energy future. The Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) is part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority and is one of the worlds leading fusion research laboratories. Our scientists and engineers are working with partners around the globe to develop fusion as a new source of clean energy for tomorrows power stations.
We are seeking a Software / Control Engineer to work in the CODAS (Control and Data Acquisition System) & IT Department responsible for understanding data acquisition and control system for a range of hardware. The Joint European Torus (JET) and MAST-U are our two main fusion energy experiments, hosted and managed at our site in Culham, Oxfordshire. The CODAS & IT Department are responsible for the design, implementation, testing, operation and maintenance of the software and hardware required for data acquisition, control and operation of JET, with increasing support on the MAST-U systems also.
Working in the Control and Diagnostics Group, you will be responsible for:
- Understanding data acquisition and control systems on our hardware for the JET and MAST-U Tokamaks
- Understanding the technical interfaces and software systems to read our software devices
- Managing the integration of our data acquisition and control systems into the overall JET or MAST-U data acquisitions and control frameworks
- Operating on a roster or shift pattern to support the technology
- Maintaining and documenting specific systems as well as interacting with key users of the systems to ensure they meet requirements and implement changes as and when required
- Developing and maintaining core JET CODAS or MAST-U control systems
The group is made up of three main sections: Control, Diagnostics, Electronics. The control software includes supervisor level for global control (level 1), subsystem level (level 2) and simple local control (level 3). The high level software runs on the Oracle (SUN) UNIX machines while the real time control and acquisition is handled by PCs (Windows and Linux), ATCA, VME and CAMAC front end processors.
At UKAEA we strive to make everyone feel welcome and fully supported. Our Ambassadors are actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the organisation to help make our organisation an employer of choice.
The UKAEA hosts and manages the JET nuclear fusion energy experiment on behalf of the EU and is also home to the UKs MAST-U fusion energy experiment. UKAEA also works with industry and other third parties to develop new technologies currently in Remote Handling and Materials research.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential
- A university degree in a computing or numerical science discipline or equivalent experience
- Demonstrable experience with distributed control and data acquisition systems for large physics experiments or large industrial plant
- Experience with software engineering processes and best practices
Plus at least two out of the following:
- Experience developing and supporting server-side web application or instrumentation devices
- Experience with real time programming and embedded system
- Experience developing and supporting data acquisition and control systems in C/C++ on Linux
- Experience of developing and supporting HMIs for control room applications
Desirable
- Familiarity with systems programming on some/all of Solaris / Linux, Windows, VxWorks
- Familiarity with programming in FORTRAN, Python, Labview and scripting languages
- Familiarity with EPICS CS-Studio and real time frameworks
- Familiarity with some/all of VME, PCI, PCIE, PXIE, ATCA, FPGA and plcs
- Knowledge of computer networks based on Ethernet and communications programming using TCP/IP and UDP/IP
- Experience working to an ISO 9001 accredited management system
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, plus the ability to work as part of a team
- A responsible approach to health and safety within the workplace
Special requirements:
Selection Methods and Notes:
- As part of the selection process you may be expected to complete work based simulation exercises and a personality profile either online or onsite
- Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large or sufficient numbers of applications are received
- Please note, UKAEA do not pay travel expenses for interviews
- The UK Atomic Energy Authority actively promotes equality and values diversity in our workforce. We operate a number of flexible working arrangements (such as part-time working/job share/home working). Flexible working may be available with this role, please discuss with the hiring manager or HR if you have any concerns
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 (convictions considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) or will confirm that there are no such convictions.
APPLICATIONS ARE WELCOME FROM LESS EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES SEEKING CAREER DEVELOPMENT WHO FULFIL THE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR THE ROLE ATTRACTING A SALARY RANGE OF £35,486 - £37,924 (INCLUSIVE OF MPP FOR LEVEL 4) OR £48,208 - £51,385 (INCLUSIVE OF MPP FOR LEVEL 5).