Engineer - Core Design & Performance in Derby

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 Core Design team is responsible for ensuring the SMR reactor core operates within defined safety limits while delivering optimal performance and economic efficiency. This includes supporting shutdown margins, DNBR limits, fault response, fuel‑cycle optimisation and load‑following capability.

About the Role:

As an Engineer – Core Design and Performance, you will contribute to the development, analysis and performance assessment of the SMR reactor core. You will support the development and application of neutronic and/or thermal‑hydraulic models to assess core behaviour under steady‑state and transient conditions. Your work will contribute to design development, safety justification and performance optimisation, underpinning environmental, safety, security and safeguards (E3S) requirements. You will also contribute to the development of core analysis methods and tools, supporting activities such as data evaluation, multi‑physics integration, code coupling and optimisation of modelling approaches. The role provides an excellent opportunity to develop technical capability while working within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

We’ll Need You To:

• Support development and refinement of neutronic and/or thermal‑hydraulic models of the reactor core
• Deliver technical analysis across core physics, kinetics and thermal‑hydraulics disciplines
• Contribute to assessment of steady‑state and transient core performance
• Support evaluation of core‑related fault sequences and plant behaviour
• Assist in development, optimisation and application of analysis methodologies and tools
• Support data evaluation, integration and optimisation of analysis workflows
• Contribute to verification, validation and uncertainty quantification activities
• Produce technical inputs to support safety, environmental and economic performance assessments
• Support delivery of work packages in line with programme plans and governance processes
• Communicate progress, risks and technical outputs effectively
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary 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:

• Academic or early career experience in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics or nuclear engineering
• Understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) systems and plant behaviour (or transferable experience from similar reactor technologies)
• Awareness of nuclear safety principles and regulatory expectations, including E3S concepts (ALARP, BAT)
• Experience or exposure to analysis tools used in core design and performance assessment (e.g. CASMO, SIMULATE, VIPRE, CTF or similar)
• Experience or interest in developing analysis tools or scripts (e.g. Python)
• Understanding of engineering analysis methods and data handling
• Awareness of software development or quality assurance processes (desirable)
• Ability to plan and deliver technical tasks within agreed timescales
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical and organisational skills
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate across disciplines

Qualifications:

A strong academic background, typically with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline. Ideally 2+ years’ experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysis. Experience in analysis scripting or data processing tools (e.g. Python) desirable.

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 £44,550 – £58,450 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, and the role may develop further as the programme grows.

Benefits include:

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Selection Process:

The closing date for this role is 7th 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