The place where progress happens faster
Guiding principles
Here at Reaction Engines, we innovate fast. But speed never comes at the expense of our principles. Together, they inform our attitude, our spirit and the way we behave.
Pioneers
A pioneering spirit runs through our DNA. We’re here to deliver new, exciting technology. We’re not afraid to explore new territories and be the first to try things.
Pragmatic
The things we do aren’t pipe dreams. They’re tangible. Our technology will deliver improved cost effectiveness, safety and sustainability.
Diverse
We’re able to look at challenges from more points of view. We’re agile and value lessons learned. We’re bold and more receptive to innovative ideas.
Experts
We’re leaders in our field. We set benchmarks and standards that others follow and aspire to. We inspire confidence.
Guiding principles
Here at Reaction Engines, we innovate fast. But speed never comes at the expense of our principles. Together, they inform our attitude, our spirit and the way we behave.
Pioneers
A pioneering spirit runs through our DNA. We’re here to deliver new, exciting technology. We’re not afraid to explore new territories and be the first to try things.
Pragmatic
The things we do aren’t pipe dreams. They’re tangible. Our technology will deliver improved cost effectiveness, safety and sustainability.
Diverse
We’re able to look at challenges from more points of view. We’re agile and value lessons learned. We’re bold and more receptive to innovative ideas.
Experts
We’re able to look at challenges from more points of view. We’re agile and value lessons learned. We’re bold and more receptive to innovative ideas.
Transformative technology for the world
We are committed to using our technology to benefit the world. That means making a positive difference and managing our operations in a responsible way.
Building a business on diversity
All creative, curious minds are welcome at Reaction Engines. We’re proud of our inclusive culture – where different backgrounds, approaches and points of view are championed. Together, there’s no limit to where we can go.
Connected to the community
We believe science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) have the power to change the world. That’s why we take part in a range of STEM Outreach events in our local community, helping inspire the next generation of engineers to make beyond possible.
Enjoy work and play
We work hard – but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to have fun too. We hold regular company events and, if you like to keep in shape, the sports centre offers tennis and softball tournaments, a running club and more.
In the heart of the countryside
We’re based in the middle of the Oxfordshire green belt, ideally located between Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot. We’re 20 minutes from the Harwell Space Gateway and half an hour from Oxford City centre. In fact, the site has transport links to the whole of the UK on its doorstep with Culham train station a short walk away. We also operate a cycle-to-work scheme.
We’ve been here since 2001, starting with a lab in the Culham Innovation Centre, before moving to a dedicated premises in 2014.
A UK centre of science excellence
Culham Campus is owned and managed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority. It is also home to some other incredible companies, developing robotic handling equipment, advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, as well as next-generation technology. The site has a wide range of shared facilities, including a coffee shop, convenience store and restaurant, with a range of seating options, including sensory pods, a gym, sports facilities and even a nature reserve.
Our benefits
Dynamic Working
We’ll support you to deliver your best through the way you work, this includes getting the right balance of office and remote working, to ensure we’re most effective and impactful.
We want you to feel empowered and trusted to manage your working location, whilst also balancing the needs of your colleagues, projects and our customers and our dynamic working policy aims to offer greater flexibility. As a minimum we expect our people to work in the office 2 days per week, however there will be times where you are needed in the office more regularly. We also understand that some employees much prefer to work from the office only and support them to do this.
Some roles are not suitable for remote working and are therefore office based due to their nature. When applying, please check the job advert for details, then make sure to discuss what to expect with your recruiter.
9-Day Fortnight
For full-time employees, we operate a 9-Day Fortnight as our default working pattern, with every other Friday off. You can use the extra day to do whatever you please, spend time with family and friends, manage life admin and appointments, or practise a hobby. When applying, please check the job advert for details, then make sure to discuss what to expect with your recruiter.
Annual Leave
All full-time employees are entitled to 196 hours’ annual leave (equivalent to 25 days), increasing to 210 hours after 2 years’ service (equivalent to 27 days), plus UK bank holidays. Don’t forget you’ll have every other Friday off too!
Employer matching pension up to 5%
For those who wish to opt in, we offer a salary sacrifice pension scheme. You will be entitled to join the employer matching company pension scheme and the company will contribute up to 5% of your salary.
Discretionary Bonus
We offer all eligible employees a discretionary annual bonus, based on individual and company performance. Exact amounts vary and this can be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Life assurance
You will be entitled to life assurance of 3 x your annual salary up to the age of 75.
Company Share Option Plan
As a valued employee, you will be offered the opportunity to join the Company Share Option Plan (CSOP), following a qualifying period.
Employee recognition (STAR Awards)
Reaction Engines’ STAR awards are an opportunity for employees to nominate colleagues who have displayed outstanding work or behaviours and are deserving of recognition inside and outside of their own team or business area. There’s a discretionary monetary reward alongside the peer recognition too!
Subsidised childcare at Culham Nursery
We understand the cost of childcare can have an enormous impact on your financial wellbeing, which is why we’re delighted to offer a Childcare Benefit Scheme for any employee enrolling their child at Culham Nursery. Please discuss this with your recruiter for more information.
Annual Professional Membership
We are proud of the talent we have at Reaction Engines and to support your continuous development and recognise your professional experience and qualifications we will reimburse 1 professional membership fee per employee, per year.
Cycle to work Scheme
Offered via Salary Sacrifice, the Cycle to Work Scheme provides you with the option to hire a bike and accessories up to the value of £2,000 through pre-tax payments over a 12-month period. Speak with your recruiter for more information.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Your wellbeing is our priority and as a Reaction Engines employee, you’ll have access to 24/7 expert guidance on a range of legal, personal and workplace issues. Health and wellbeing plans, challenges and discounts are also available via our EAP app.
Family friendly policies
As a family friendly employer, our maternity leave package offers up to 40 weeks enhanced pay and 2 weeks enhanced pay for paternity leave, both from day one of employment.
Long Service Awards
As a thank you to our long serving employees for all their hard work and continued commitment to the Company, we are delighted to offer Long Service Awards for every 5 years spent with Reaction Engines.
Electric Car Scheme
You can save between 30-60% on the monthly cost of a brand-new electric car lease helping you to make a green choice and reduce your running costs. Under Salary Sacrifice, the Electric Car Scheme provides an all-inclusive package that includes the lease car, servicing & maintenance and a home charge point with installation to make it easy.
On top of all this, you’ll be offered a free, annual flu vaccination; access to discounts, including travel, food and entertainment, via our rewards partners; subsidised gym membership on Culham Campus; and free, independent financial advice via our trusted partner.
On top of all this, you’ll be offered a free, annual flu vaccination; access to discounts, including travel, food and entertainment, via our rewards partners; subsidised gym membership on Culham Campus; and free, independent financial advice via our trusted partner.
Why our colleagues love Reaction Engines
Faidra Antoniadou
Graduate Engineer
Ludovica Formisani
Graduate Engineer
