Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines in Derby

Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines in Derby

Derby Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Design/Development Engineer, creating innovative solutions for submarines.
  • Company: Rolls-Royce is a leading brand in engineering innovation and reliability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Security clearance is needed; Rolls-Royce will assist with the application process.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your engineering skills.
  • Qualifications: A Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent experience is required, along with CAD proficiency.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

Job Description

Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines

Full Time

Derby

We have an exciting opportunity for a Design/Development Engineer to join the Special Purpose Machines Team within the Rolls-Royce Submarines business.

This is a great opportunity for you to get involved in all stages of product development, from feasibility and concept, through design, build, development, training and implementation, as necessary. You will have the chance to see your ideas become reality in a fast-paced environment, where your problem solving, and engineering skills will be challenged and developed.

Why join Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

As part of the Services Delivery Business Unit, the Special Purpose Machines (SPM) Team develop bespoke repair, inspection and maintenance capabilities, against challenging constraints, in support of the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet. SPM has developed a particular expertise in the design of portable cutting/dressing machines, compact material sampling equipment and inspection manipulators. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact within an interesting and exciting area of the business.

What you will be doing:

You'll be developing fit-for-purpose, innovative engineering solutions, from concept to implementation, against customer and governance requirements, whilst adhering to stringent time, cost and quality constraints.

  • Delivering SPM solutions through management of own day-to-day activities and risks.
  • Producing design solutions and engineering drawings, then presenting at gated design reviews to demonstrate all key requirements have been met.
  • Providing technical support to sub-contract manufacturers and then undertaking equipment build/assembly activities.
  • Producing development test plans, then performing trials and demonstrations to fully validate and commission capabilities.
  • Producing operating procedures, training personnel, and supporting initial on-site implementation activities.

Position Qualifications:

  • An understanding of sound engineering principles, including: design for manufacture, design for assembly and maintenance, health and safety, concurrent engineering, and ideally and appreciation of the protocols associated with nuclear applications.
  • Experience of the practical application, and ideally 'hands-on' experience, of a broad range of machining processes and tools, for example: cutting machines, dressing machines, manipulators and mechanisms.
  • Previous machine design and development experience, preferably bespoke special purpose machines, and the production of the associated technical documentation.
  • Familiarity with design tools/techniques and proficient in the use of CAD, ideally Siemens-NX.
  • A Mechanical Engineering related degree, or equivalent experience.

To work for Rolls-Royce Submarines you need to hold a Security Check (SC) clearance without any caveats to that clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don't currently already have this in place.

Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets, you must hold a UK nationality. Any dual nationals will require additional scrutiny and background checks prior to commencing work with RRSL.

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

Job Category

Mechanical Systems

Posting Date

28 Sept 2026; 00:09

Posting End Date

05 Oct 2026PandoLogic. Keywords: Marine Engineer, Location: Derby, ENG - DE23 8YH

Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines in Derby employer: PandoLogic

At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Business Specialist in Auto Visual Inspection, you'll be part of a team that champions individuality and diverse perspectives, driving engineering excellence in Derby. With generous benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to sustainability, Rolls-Royce is not just a workplace; it's a place where your contributions truly matter and can shape the future.

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Contact Details:

PandoLogic Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🀫

We think this is how you could land Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines in Derby

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and tools mentioned in the job description, such as CAD software like Siemens-NX. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools during the interview will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Research Rolls-Royce's recent projects and innovations in submarine technology. This knowledge will not only help you understand the company's direction but also allow you to ask insightful questions during your interview, showing your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of Rolls-Royce, especially those in the Submarines division. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific challenges faced by the team, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you've applied engineering principles in past projects. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to develop innovative solutions under constraints, as this is a key aspect of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Design/Development Engineer (Special Purpose Machines) - Submarines in Derby

Understanding of engineering principles
Design for manufacture and assembly
Health and safety compliance
Concurrent engineering
Experience with machining processes and tools
Hands-on experience with cutting machines and manipulators
Machine design and development experience

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Design/Development Engineer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description.

Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience with special purpose machines, machine design, and development. Mention specific projects where you applied engineering principles and problem-solving skills.

Showcase Technical Skills:Be sure to include your proficiency in CAD tools, particularly Siemens-NX, and any hands-on experience with machining processes. This will demonstrate your technical capability and suitability for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss why you want to work at Rolls-Royce and how you can contribute to their mission.

How to prepare for a job interview at PandoLogic

✨Showcase Your Engineering Knowledge

Make sure to brush up on sound engineering principles, especially those related to design for manufacture and assembly. Be prepared to discuss how these principles apply to the development of special purpose machines, particularly in a nuclear context.

✨Demonstrate Hands-On Experience

Highlight any practical experience you have with machining processes and tools. If you've worked with cutting machines or manipulators, share specific examples of projects where you applied this knowledge.

✨Familiarise Yourself with CAD Tools

Since proficiency in CAD, particularly Siemens-NX, is important for this role, ensure you're comfortable discussing your experience with design tools. Bring examples of your previous work or designs to illustrate your capabilities.

✨Prepare for Design Reviews

Understand the format and expectations of gated design reviews. Be ready to present your design solutions clearly, demonstrating how you meet all key requirements and constraints. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making.