At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate complex engineering projects in the EC&I field.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a forward-thinking organisation focused on safety and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical or related field; experience in EC&I systems required.
The predicted salary is between 85600 - 115800 £ per year.
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re delivering an integrated, high‑quality engineering solution for the SMR power station. The Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) function is responsible for delivering systems that underpin the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the plant. As the programme scales, strong leadership is required to ensure delivery of a coherent engineering solution that aligns with safety requirements and industrialisation strategy.
As Assistant Chief Design Engineer – EC&I, you will operate as a senior leader within Engineering, acting as a key delegate to the Chief Design Engineer and providing technical and programme leadership across a large and complex design organisation. You will coordinate and integrate EC&I engineering activities to deliver a single, coherent product solution aligned to programme demands, shape the integrated engineering delivery model, align outputs with the programme schedule, and lead prioritisation across competing workstreams.
Responsibilities
- Act as a delegate to the Chief Design Engineer, supporting leadership and coordination of the EC&I function.
- Lead development of the integrated engineering delivery model and programme plans.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering workstreams to deliver complex design scope.
- Prioritise engineering activities across programme demands in collaboration with project teams.
- Lead the management of risks and opportunities across EC&I scope.
- Support development and delivery of EC&I industrialisation strategies.
- Contribute to development of processes, tools and capability across the department.
- Support Heads of Discipline in making key technical and programme decisions.
- Chair programme and risk reviews, providing clear reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Engage with regulators, customers and external organisations to support programme delivery.
- Influence strategic direction and ensure alignment with wider business objectives.
- Provide leadership, coaching and direction to engineering teams.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Degree-qualified in Electrical, Electronics, Control Systems or a related discipline.
- Chartered Engineer (or working towards equivalent) desirable.
- Extensive experience across the lifecycle of EC&I systems and design delivery.
- Strong background in delivering complex engineering programmes within regulated environments.
- Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and programme delivery activities.
- Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks, including ALARP and BAT principles.
- Experience developing integrated delivery plans and managing programme governance structures.
- Experience managing risks, budgets, resources and supply chain delivery at scale.
- Strong organisational leadership capability, including strategic planning and performance management.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders across engineering, operations and programme functions.
- Strong communication skills and ability to operate effectively at senior leadership level.
- Experience working in complex, ambiguous environments and driving decision‑making at pace.
Location
Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary & Benefits
- The salary band for this role will be between £85,600 – £115,800 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring.
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity up to 30%
- Benefits Allowance – £8,500 per annum
- Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) with ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
- Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover
- Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
- One-off home office purchase allowance for new starters
Selection Process
The closing date for this role is 21st June 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.
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, and 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.
Our Application Process may include safety screening due to nuclear industry regulations, including BPSS clearance, DBS check and a basic financial probity check.
Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an Assistant Chief Design Engineer – EC&I, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth within a forward-thinking organisation committed to safety and excellence in engineering. Our hybrid working model across Derby, Manchester, or Warrington allows for flexibility while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Rolls-Royce SMR on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for senior engineering roles and practice your answers. We want to showcase our leadership skills and technical expertise, so let’s nail it!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our passion for EC&I! During interviews, share specific examples of past projects where we led multidisciplinary teams or tackled complex design challenges. This will help us stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Chief Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in EC&I systems and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex engineering programmes.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills relevant to the role, especially in Electrical, Electronics, and Control Systems. We’re looking for someone who understands UK regulatory frameworks and can navigate complex environments, so make sure to mention these!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your EC&I Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Electrical, Control & Instrumentation systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex engineering programmes and how you've navigated regulatory frameworks like ALARP and BAT principles.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've coordinated engineering activities and prioritised tasks across competing workstreams in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical concepts or project updates. Think about how you can engage with stakeholders effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in complex environments. Think of scenarios where you've managed risks or made critical decisions under pressure, and be ready to share those experiences during the interview.
