Lead NDE Engineer (Radiographic Testing)
Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby – Hybrid working supported.
About Rolls‑Royce SMR
At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we’re delivering a new generation of nuclear power that will play a critical role in the UK’s energy transition. We’re building something genuinely new – combining engineering excellence, innovation and pace to create scalable, low‑carbon power for decades to come.
What You’ll Be Doing
Lead and shape Radiographic Testing (RT) capability from the ground up across Rolls‑Royce SMR. This is a rare opportunity to take full technical ownership of RT strategy and delivery across factory, site and supply chain environments in a highly regulated nuclear context.
You’ll act as the RT technical authority, ensuring capability is safe, compliant, future‑proofed and ready to support manufacture of high‑integrity nuclear components. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory Authorities and external partners to establish industrial radiography capability where it does not currently exist – setting standards, gaining permissions and building long‑term delivery models.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, justification and implementation of radiographic testing methods across factory and site environments.
- Define the RT strategy for Rolls‑Royce SMR, covering module factories, site activities and the wider supply chain.
- Act as RT Subject Matter Expert and technical authority, authoring and approving procedures and methods.
- Engage with HSE, ONR, Radiation Protection Advisers and external agencies to secure permissions and maintain compliance.
- Ensure all RT activity meets IRR2017, Local Rules and nuclear regulatory expectations.
- Support wider Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams with expert RT and NDE input.
- Identify and evaluate new RT technologies, including computed and digital radiography where appropriate.
- Influence how RT capability scales as the business grows.
What We’re Looking For
- ISO 9712 Level 3 certification in Radiographic Testing (welds as a minimum).
- Proven experience with X‑ray and Gamma radiography.
- Demonstrated experience establishing or working within industrial radiography regulatory frameworks.
- Strong understanding of HSE Consent for Industrial Radiography and IRR2017 Local Rules.
- Experience operating as a technical authority, including procedure development and approval.
- The confidence to engage regulators and senior stakeholders on complex technical topics.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of site‑based pipework radiography.
- Exposure to computed or digital radiography.
- Broader NDE knowledge (e.g. UT, PT, MT).
- Experience in nuclear, defence, oil & gas or other high‑integrity regulated industries.
Ways of Working & Location
This role can be based at any RR‑SMR location (Derby, Warrington, Manchester). Flexible and home working is supported, especially in the early phases. Reasonable travel will be required for supplier and site engagement. Full‑time hours are 37.5 per week, with flexibility available.
Team & Future Growth
You won’t have direct reports initially, but this role will form the technical cornerstone of a future NDE support team as Rolls‑Royce SMR scales. You’ll play a key role in shaping how RT capability develops long‑term.
Reward & Benefits
- Salary: £60,000 – £78,750
- Benefits allowance: £2,200
- Bonus opportunity: 12.5%
- Pension: Standard Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%
- Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays
- Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary
- Income protection: 50% of salary
- £250 new joiner payment
- Flexible and part‑time working options available
Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know – we’re happy to support.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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