Location
Hybrid – Derby, Warrington or Manchester. Regular on‑site collaboration is expected, balanced with flexibility where possible.
Our Mission
At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we are revolutionising clean energy through the delivery of scalable, affordable nuclear power. Our mission is to provide reliable low‑carbon energy that supports global net zero ambitions while driving innovation and engineering excellence at every stage of the programme.
The Team
The Reactor Plant and Systems team is a multidisciplinary engineering function responsible for the design and development of the systems that underpin the Reactor Island. The team brings together expertise across mechanical, fluid and safety‑critical systems to develop robust, licensable, and high‑performing designs. Operating within a highly regulated environment, the team plays a critical role in progressing the programme through detailed design and regulatory approval. You will work closely with internal specialists, external partners and regulators, contributing to a collaborative culture focused on delivery, safety and continuous improvement. As a Senior Engineer, you will also provide technical leadership and support to a small team, helping to shape both design outcomes and team capability.
The Role
As a Senior Reactor System Design Engineer, you will lead the development of complex process and mechanical system designs across the Reactor Island. You will translate high‑level requirements into robust, evidence‑based design solutions that meet stringent regulatory and safety expectations. This role offers exposure to the full life cycle of system design, from early concept development through to detailed design, substantiation and licensing support.
What We’ll Need You to Do
- Lead the delivery of system design packages so that outputs are technically robust, aligned to programme requirements and delivered to agreed timescales.
- Develop and manage system requirements to ensure designs are clearly defined, traceable and supported by appropriate verification and evidence.
- Produce high‑quality engineering documentation, including design reports, system definitions and substantiation artefacts that support safety cases and regulatory submissions.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, including regulators, to resolve technical challenges and maintain programme momentum.
- Identify and actively manage risks and opportunities within the design scope, ensuring effective mitigation and continuous improvement.
- Apply design governance, configuration control and assurance processes to maintain consistency, quality and compliance.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, supporting capability growth and driving a high‑performance team environment.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience delivering complex system design work within nuclear or another highly regulated or safety‑critical industry.
- A degree in an engineering or relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience gained through industry delivery.
- Strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements management, integration and structured design approaches.
- Practical experience in mechanical or process system design, such as fluid systems, HVAC, chemical or plant‑based systems.
- Confidence in producing and reviewing detailed technical documentation such as P&IDs, calculations and design substantiation reports.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage and build credibility across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
- A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to lead technical work, solve problems and support the development of others.
Pay Range and Benefits
Salary: £50,650 – £66,500.00 DOE.
- Bonus – Performance related target opportunity 12.5%.
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package.
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- Holidays – 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
- Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover health care.
- Life Assurance – 6x pensionable pay £250.
- One‑off payment for new starters for home office purchases.
Inclusion & Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusion is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required to support individuals in performing at their best. Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying, but there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety‑critical industries.
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