Lee Aucott is the Manufacturing Lead for the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) Program at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Lee leads a team developing the methods of manufacture and associated supply chain required to deliver this ambitious programme - to construct a prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040 operations. Lee has led a variety of manufacturing R&D projects in support of fusion devices such as ITER, JET and DEMO. Before joining UKAEA, he worked in the defence and aerospace sectors developing new materials and manufacturing methods for use in harsh environments. Lee received his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Leicester, which was focused on welding science, technology and metallurgy, sponsored by Tata Steel.