At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative EC&I engineering projects and shape the future of power generation.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a pioneer in revolutionising the energy industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a legacy, driving impactful engineering solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical or related field; experience in complex engineering programmes.
The predicted salary is between 85600 - 112350 £ per year.
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.
The Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) function is responsible for delivering integrated systems that underpin the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the SMR power station. As the programme continues to scale, strong leadership is critical to ensure delivery of a coherent, high‑quality engineering solution.
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 be responsible for coordinating and integrating EC&I engineering activities to deliver a single, coherent product solution aligned to programme demands. This includes shaping the integrated engineering delivery model, aligning engineering outputs with the overall programme schedule, and leading prioritisation across competing workstreams.
You will work across Electrical, Control & Instrumentation and wider engineering teams, collaborating closely with project, supply chain and operations functions to solve complex technical and delivery challenges. This role plays a critical part in ensuring engineering delivery aligns with business objectives, safety requirements and industrialisation strategy. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, strategic thinking and the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
We’ll Need You To:
- 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
Key Skills Required:
We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:
- 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
Qualifications:
- Degree‑qualified in Electrical, Electronics, Control Systems or a related discipline
- Chartered Engineer (or working towards equivalent) desirable
- Significant experience in EC&I design and programme delivery within a regulated environment
Location: Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary and Package: The salary band for this role will be between £85,600 – £115,800 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the seniority and leadership responsibility of the role.
Benefits include:
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 30%
- Benefits Allowance – £8,500 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
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.
- 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
Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I in Derby employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are not just offering a job; we are providing a once-in-a-career opportunity to be part of a revolutionary journey in the nuclear industry. Our hybrid working model across Derby, Manchester, or Warrington fosters a flexible and inclusive culture, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. With competitive benefits, a focus on innovation, and a supportive environment, we are dedicated to creating a workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute to a meaningful legacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Rolls-Royce SMR on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding their projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who’s genuinely interested in revolutionising the industry with them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! They want to see how you’ve influenced teams and tackled complex problems. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in EC&I.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Chief Design Engineer – EC&I. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves strong leadership, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We want to see your ability to influence and coordinate across multidisciplinary teams.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets your skills and experiences across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team at Rolls-Royce SMR.
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 regulated environments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you influenced stakeholders to achieve project goals. Highlighting your leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Align with Business Objectives
Understand the company's vision and how the EC&I function fits into it. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic direction and ensure alignment with wider business objectives. This shows that you’re not just thinking about the role but also about the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to risk management, programme governance, and integrated delivery plans. Brush up on UK regulatory frameworks like ALARP and BAT principles. Being able to articulate your understanding of these concepts will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
