Senior Reactor System Design Engineer

Location:

Hybrid – Derby, Warrington or Manchester

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

You will join the Reactor Plant and Systems team, 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, working collaboratively 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 play a key role in translating high-level requirements into robust, evidence-based design solutions that meet stringent regulatory and safety expectations.

This role offers exposure to the full lifecycle of system design, from early concept development through to detailed design, substantiation and licensing support. You will contribute directly to the maturity and integration of the overall plant design, ensuring alignment with programme milestones and industry best practice while supporting the safe and efficient delivery of the Rolls-Royce SMR solution.

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.

Location

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with flexibility to be based in Derby, Warrington or Manchester. Regular on-site collaboration is expected, balanced with flexibility where possible.

What’s in It for You

We anticipate paying a salary of between £50,6500 - £66,500.00 DOE plus:-

• 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) and 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

You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.

Pay Range:

£50,600.00

-

£66,465.00

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

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.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check

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About Us

We are Rolls-Royce SMR

A career with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission.
Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low-carbon energy - equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years.
With its Rolls-Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future.
We’re proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional - and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love.
We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls-Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents.

Our culture

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture. Find out more about our inclusion pledge.
Rolls-Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture.

Why join us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:
• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
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 can thrive.

What we offer

At Rolls-Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivate you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands.
Work is an activity, not a place. We understand due to commitments and lifestyle; the world of work has evolved beyond the 9 - 5. Whether its varied hours or hybrid working, our flexible working arrangements make it possible for employees to achieve a true work life balance.

Your career journey

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we don’t just want you to contribute, we want you to grow. We have open dialogue with our employees to understand the ambitions for their career and set plans to achieve them. Whether it’s helping you obtain formal qualifications or pairing you with a mentor, Rolls-Royce SMR will provide you with a fulfilling career. Our Team | Rolls-Royce SMR

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