Overview
Role Title: Senior C&I Functional Design Engineer
We are Rolls-Royce SMR. The Control & Instrumentation (C&I) capability is responsible for defining, designing and delivering the control, protection and automation architecture that underpins safe and efficient operation of the power station. The Functions Control and Automation team defines the plant’s functional behaviour, control philosophy and system-level requirements that drive the design of C&I systems across the RR SMR plant. This role provides the opportunity to shape the behaviour of a next-generation nuclear power plant, working at the interface between systems engineering, plant operations, safety, modelling and C&I system design.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of C&I functional specifications for systems across the RR SMR plant.
- Capture, structure and define plant control functions and translate them into implementable system requirements.
- Support the development of the plant operating philosophy and ensure functional requirements align with overarching plant needs.
- Develop well-defined functional designs that articulate complex system interactions and dependencies.
- Collaborate with C&I architects, system owners, plant engineering teams and modelling & simulation teams.
- Lead work packages, including work breakdown, planning and delivery.
- Support technical decision-making and ensure alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
- Produce clear functional documentation, diagrams, descriptions and structured design justifications.
- Contribute to verification and validation of functional designs and requirements.
- Present functional designs and decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Mentor and support junior engineers within the C&I function.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Experience of power plant operation and control, or equivalent industrial experience in system/plant control.
- Strong understanding of control theory and its application to complex systems.
- Experience producing functional designs and specifications for C&I systems.
- Knowledge of C&I lifecycle activities including V&V, commissioning and maintenance.
- Understanding of designing systems resilient to faults (redundancy, diversity, defensive design principles).
- Knowledge of C&I standards such as IEC 61508, IEC 61513 and IEC 61226, or equivalents from other safety-critical industries.
- Strong systems engineering capability, including requirements management, interface management and structured problem-solving.
- Experience with MBSE and requirements tools such as Capella (preferred), DOORS or Polarion.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to present technical information clearly to stakeholders, including regulators.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
- Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
- Degree in electrical, control, instrumentation, systems engineering or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
Location and Salary
Location: Hybrid working with Derby, Manchester or Warrington as primary site.
Salary: £53,700–£70,500 dependent on skills, values and knowledge. Some flexibility with starting salary in exceptional cases.
Benefits
- Bonus – Performance-related target opportunity 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the option to buy or sell up to 4 days
- Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
- Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
- Home Office Support – £250 one-off payment for new starters
Selection Process
The closing date is 7th June 2026. The process begins with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews able to take place straight away.
EEO and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident organisation and strive for fair, supportive and inclusive recruitment practices that allow everyone to thrive.
About Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce SMR is a modern approach to nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470 MW of low-carbon energy, supporting renewable energy and providing a stable, sustainable energy future. We value diversity, inclusion and continuous learning, and provide opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…