Job Description About us   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.   About the job  UKAEA’s mission is to deliver sustainable fusion energy and maximise its scientific and economic impact.
The Computing Division supports this through digital capabilities spanning research, simulation, data, engineering, business systems and communications. The Software Operations Group (SORG) provides the infrastructure and expertise needed for secure software development and operations, promoting DevSecOps and MLOps practices across UKAEA. As a Senior Platform Engineer, you will work closely with scientists and engineers across UKAEA to deliver secure, robust and sustainable software and platforms.
You will lead technical delivery, contribute to work planning and help modernise software operations through improved engineering processes and practices. Working within the growing Software Operations Group, you will collaborate with Platform Engineers specialising in secure software delivery, DevSecOps and MLOps. You will share your expertise, mentor colleagues and help develop and embed modern software-engineering practices across UKAEA.
As part of a small team with a broad organisational reach, you will have the opportunity to influence how SORG develops, while delivering solutions that support some of UKAEA’s most complex projects.    What You’ll Be Doing Lead significant technical projects and work packages, delivering secure, reliable and sustainable platforms and infrastructure. Design and improve resilient solutions across cloud, DevSecOps, MLOps, software delivery and data workflows, while identifying opportunities for innovation and automation.
Collaborate with scientists and engineers to understand their needs, provide technical advice and deliver solutions that improve efficiency, reproducibility and delivery. Develop the Software Operations team by shaping best practices, mentoring colleagues, improving processes and supporting the growth of technical capabilities. Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across UKAEA, managing stakeholders, promoting secure-by-design and SRE practices, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
What You’ll Bring Essential:   Technical qualification or equivalent experience in a scientific, engineering or technical environment, such as research, HPC or cloud infrastructure. Substantial hands-on experience developing, deploying and maintaining production-grade systems or platforms, with proficiency in at least two programming or scripting languages such as Python, Bash, Go or C++.
Demonstrated expertise in modern software engineering and DevSecOps/MLOps practices , including Git, automated testing, CI/CD, containers, infrastructure as code and technical documentation, with experience working across Linux and/or Windows environments. Experience delivering software projects and managing the software lifecycle , with the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate and influence people from a range of technical and non-technical backgrounds.
Ability to learn and apply new technologies , with experience mentoring or supervising others and the motivation to develop leadership and people-management skills. Desirable  – expertise & experience in any of the following:  Working knowledge of NIST frameworks (e.g. SP 800-53, SSDF) or equivalent (Software Cyber, AI Cyber Security Code of Practice ,  ISO 27001, CIS, OWASP) and their application within software development and DevSecOps practices