Summer Placement Scheme - Computing Advanced Control

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. 

We offer excellent opportunities for motivated and enthusiastic undergraduate students studying at UK Universities to join our 8-12-week summer placement scheme. The scheme is designed for students entering their penultimate or final year of studies, with potential opportunities post-graduation. 

Our scheme gives you a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of one of the most advanced sources of sustainable and clean energy. During your summer programme, you will experience a broad range of diverse tasks, work on real projects, and gain invaluable experience within the fusion energy sector. UKAEA offers a nurturing and supportive community for you to gain some valuable work experience in a fascinating and rapidly evolving industry. 

The Advanced Control Unit of the Computing Division is looking for a student to learn about fusion operations and create a prototype tool which would be useful for some of our programme work for STEP.

Role‑Specific / Technical Accountabilities

• Support the development of a prototype training and testing application for fusion operations, using computer‑games‑based methods and tools
• Apply programming and software development skills to create early operator training solutions and prototype control‑system testing tools.
• Work with the Advanced Control Unit (ACU) to explore efficient simulation and training approaches for plasma control, leveraging open games platforms and related technologies.
• Deliver assigned technical tasks aligned with project objectives, ensuring code quality, documentation, and iterative development are maintained.
• Use provided domain knowledge and coaching from ACU to understand fusion operational contexts and apply this understanding in tool development.

Collaboration/Communication

• Work collaboratively with ACU colleagues and other Computing Division staff when required, contributing positively to team activities and knowledge sharing.
• Communicate effectively with team members, explaining technical issues clearly to both technical and non‑technical colleagues.
• Produce clear written updates, documentation, and reports as needed for project progress.