Head of Engineering Services Department

Fusion, the nuclear reaction that powers the sun and the stars, is a promising long‑term option for a sustainable, non‑carbon emitting global energy supply. The ITER Organization (IO), based in southern France, welcomes best talents who can together prepare the way to this new energy in a truly multi‑cultural work environment.

We offer challenging assignments in a wide range of areas and encourage applications from candidates at all levels of experience. Applications from under‑represented ITER Members’ nations and women candidates are strongly encouraged, as IO strongly believes that a diversified, equitable, and inclusive workplace is crucial in solving one of the most complex scientific and engineering projects in the world today.

Discrimination and exclusion cannot be tolerated. The IO believes it is our diverse perspectives and background that gives unique strength and value to the ITER mission, regardless of race, member nation, gender, religion, status, sexual orientation, or disability – all are welcome and respected at ITER.

The IO is committed to fostering a fair and equitable environment across all areas of the project, including compensation and benefits.

ITER CARE Values (Collaboration / Accountability / Respect / Excellence) : We perform our work with care, we care for the well‑being of colleagues, our families and ourselves, and we care about the health of the planet for generations to come. CARE drives our work and our behaviors at ITER.

Application Deadline: 05/04/2026

Department: Engineering Services Department

Job Grade: DDG/D1‑D2 ( SALARY SIMULATOR )

Language Requirements: Fluent in English (written & spoken)

Contract Duration: Initial Employment Contract up to five years with possibility for extension

Overview

Do you have an interest in leading and managing the Engineering Services Department (ESD) supporting the largest fusion project in the world? Join the ITER Senior Management Team to support the achievement of the ITER Project’s objectives in compliance with ITER Agreement and regulations through effective and efficient management of engineering resources, competences, and capacity to support the Director‑General (DG) and the Head of ITER Construction Project (CP) to achieve the ITER Project’s objectives.

This unique opportunity includes acting as main Engineering Resource Provider for the ITER Project, ensuring the availability and proper competence level of the engineering manpower of the organization. This work is performed in accordance with the ITER regulations, ITER Organization (IO) rules, and aligned with the precise technical baseline management and engineering activities required for assembly, installation, integrated commissioning and operation phases. You will represent the organization internally and externally at a senior level, modelling the “one Project – one team” spirit of the Project in a matrix organization to streamline engineering transversal functions, as well as deputizing for the DG when requested.

To discover more about the ITER Organization, please follow this link:

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• In cooperation with other departments, supports the development of the strategy as well as resource forecasting for engineering and assembly activities.
• Leads the ESD by managing resources to efficiently support achievements of the Project milestones within the approved Baseline and maximizing human capital/people’s commitment to achieving the ITER Project’s goals.
• Manages capacity and provides engineering resources to the ITER Construction Project.
• Provides effective leadership, ensuring that managers and team members are motivated and constantly developing their skills and experience.
• Develops, maintains and shares engineering expertise on ITER, jointly with DAs, to prepare for the future phases of the ITER project.
• Coordinates engineering support in mechanical and plant areas, supporting CAD strategy for the Project to provide services based on Project priorities.
• As a member of the Senior Management team, exercises strategic vision and sets major priorities for the IO.
• Actively represents and propagates the spirit of “one project – one team” and ensures a highly collaborative approach with the IO senior management and Domestic Agency (DA) leaders to manage and propel the whole ITER Project forward.
• Responds to emerging issues and opportunities with timely, pragmatic, and effective solutions.
• Analyzes and alerts the DG promptly on any issues that would jeopardize the on‑time accomplishment of major construction schedule milestones, scope, or impact to quality and nuclear safety requirements, while implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies for the Project in a pragmatic and proactive manner.

Please note that job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, and the staff member may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above primary responsibilities.

Experience & Competencies

Essential

• Extensive experience in a managerial capacity in the field of design and construction of complex projects, with proven experience at senior management level within large construction, scientific or technical projects.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of a matrix organizational structure within the context of a construction project.
• Driving and Managing Organizational Change: management of Project(s) engineering resources in a matrixed organization; change and transformation including identifying, influencing, setting strategy, and leading implementation; defining, planning, leading and/or managing organizational changes through communication and modelling adaptive actions to gain buy‑in and engagement; assessing the need for change, creating change strategies, communicating effectively and overcoming resistance to ensure successful implementation.
• Driving project engagement in a large construction Project with multi‑national collaboration, creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objective, by painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that inspires others to action.
• Inclusive leadership (maintaining healthy working environment), with a high level of headship for motivating and developing staff: creating an inclusive environment that promotes cross‑functional analysis and effective decision making so that leaders are empowered to place decision making at the most appropriate level, building strong partnerships and working collaboratively and positively with all Project stakeholders.
• Coordinating and overseeing complex construction Projects from design to operation phases while providing effective leadership and management structures in an international or intergovernmental setting.
• Top‑level executive managerial skills characterized by approachability, accessibility, openness/transparency, personal integrity, persuasiveness, and the charisma to inspire loyalty of subordinates and reach consensus with stakeholders.
• High‑level strategic negotiations, using influence with internal and external partners, including the ability and willingness to solicit and consider varying inputs and opinions and make appropriate recommendations and tough decisions.
• Driving a Project culture that underpins and maintains safe and secure working conditions, and enforces the highest standard of safe, healthy, and secure work practice.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS): establishing and maintaining a framework of policies, procedures, and processes to ensure consistent quality management throughout the organization.

Desirable

• Design and construction of research infrastructures, preferably in the nuclear field.
• Technical knowledge of Tokamak machine, fusion, and facilities would be considered a strong advantage.
• Courage – stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Decision Quality and Accountability – using judgment to make timely decisions that move the organization forward, holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Organizational Savvy – manoeuvring comfortably through complex policy, process, and people‑related organizational dynamics to remove obstacles that affect Project performance, move work forward, and engage teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic Mindset – seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.

Qualifications

Essential

• Master’s or PhD degree or equivalent in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Nuclear, or equivalent).

Desirable

• Certifications such as project management.

Core Technical Competencies

• Nuclear Safety, Environment, Radioprotection and Pressured Equipment
• Occupational Health, Safety & Security
• Quality Control & Quality Assurance Processes

The required education degree(s) may be substituted by extensive professional experience involving similar work responsibilities and/or additional training certificates in relevant domains.

All ITER staff must adhere to the CARE Values: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

ITER Organization (IO) is an Equal Opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.