Research Software Engineer UK Atomic Energy Authority
Posted 1 day 6 hours ago by Society of Research Software Engineering
The Power Plant Modelling and Integration Group (PPMI) is responsible for integrated fusion power plant design. We develop and exploit the power plant modelling software PROCESS and BLUEMIRA to influence decision-making on the UK STEP and EUROfusion EU-DEMO design programmes. The PPMI focuses on high-level integrated modelling of feasible fusion power plant designs, using reduced physics and engineering models to explore and optimise various reactor designs for key metrics.
The role of Research Software Engineer is to develop and support the modelling capabilities for the PPMI group's fusion power plant design codes at UKAEA. We focus on balancing the demands between science and engineering domain experts, ensuring programme performance, and providing expertise, advice, and training. The Research Software Engineer will shape the tools used while gaining a holistic view of the interdisciplinary challenges faced in this highly integrated physics and engineering project.
What will you be responsible for?
- Developing PPMI software as part of the UKAEA technology programme.
- Contributing to the PPMI software team through shared planning, problem solving, reviews, knowledge sharing, and supporting colleagues internally and externally.
- Collaborating with scientists and engineers to understand project requirements and identify areas for joint development.
- Creating high-quality software for reproducible, trusted research that impacts decision-making in power plant design programs.
- Engaging with the research and RSE community to communicate developments and learn from others.
Qualifications:
- A degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical subject plus a PhD or experience in an academic or industrial research environment.
- Proven experience developing software in at least one language used in scientific or engineering applications (e.g., Python, Fortran).
- Familiarity with good development practices such as version control and software testing.
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle and experience writing software for use by others.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills.
Desirable:
- Experience in disciplines related to UKAEA's activities.
- Skills in computational modelling and numerical simulation.
- Data analysis and visualization expertise.
- Working knowledge of developing and deploying software on Linux platforms.
- Familiarity with technologies like Git, GitLab/GitHub, automated testing & CI, build systems, packaging, containerization.
- Experience working with existing codebases and legacy scientific languages.
- Experience with scientific computing platforms such as compute clusters, HPC, or cloud systems.
- Participation in the RSE community or experience in giving talks, training, or organizing events.