Role Title: Engineer - Test Capability
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 Development Engineering organisation is responsible for demonstrating that the SMR power station design meets its objectives and requirements. Through verification and validation, testing, demonstration, and research and technology programmes, the team provides the evidence necessary to support the development and delivery of the SMR programme.
Development Engineering comprises four key capability areas: Research & Technology, Verification & Validation, Test, and Commissioning.
About the Role:
As a Test Capability Engineer, you will play a key role in enabling the successful delivery of test programmes across the SMR programme.
Reporting to the Test Capability Manager, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the processes, methods, tools and standards that support the effective delivery of testing activities. You will work closely with project delivery teams, subject matter experts and supply chain partners to ensure testing is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse range of technologies and engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, thermal‑hydraulics, materials and chemistry, and civil engineering.
We’ll Need You To:
- Develop and implement processes, methods, tools, standards and guidance that enable successful delivery of test programmes
- Support strategic resource planning activities to meet programme priorities and business needs
- Work with subject matter experts and capability teams to drive technical excellence across Development Engineering
- Support project delivery teams to achieve cost, quality and schedule objectives
- Ensure testing processes and tools are effectively integrated with wider business activities
- Help monitor and improve supplier performance across the Development Engineering supply chain
- Support the development of technical quality, competency and safety standards
- Contribute to continuous improvement activities across testing capability and delivery
- Support the successful execution of test programmes through effective stakeholder engagement.
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:
Test Design Experience
- Experience supporting or delivering engineering test programmes
- Experience developing evidence to support design verification and validation
- Experience producing technical documentation such as requirements, calculations, test specifications, drawings, CAD models or P&IDs
- Understanding of engineering risk management principles
- Experience within highly regulated industries such as Nuclear, Energy, Defence, Aerospace, Rail, Process or Oil & Gas would be advantageous
Development of Capability
- Experience developing and improving engineering methods, tools, processes and team capability
- Experience creating, owning or supporting functional strategies and improvement plans
- Proactive approach to challenging existing ways of working and driving continuous improvement
- Experience developing digital tools, workflows or business processes
Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:
- IBM DOORS
- Siemens Polarion
- Azure DevOps
- Microsoft Power BI
- SharePoint Administration
- Microsoft Power Platform (PowerApps, Power Automate)
- Microsoft 365 Copilot
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to bring together multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems
- Ability to influence stakeholders and manage competing priorities
- Experience engaging with suppliers and external partners to achieve successful outcomes
Systems Engineering
- Systems-thinking mindset with practical experience applying systems engineering techniques
- Analytical and methodical approach to problem solving
- Ability to work effectively in environments with uncertainty and change
Safety Culture
- Demonstrates strong safety behaviours and promotes a positive safety culture
- Willingness to challenge constructively and uphold high engineering standards
Qualifications:
- Degree qualified in an Engineering discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
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 £42,000 – £55,150 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and the role may develop further over time.
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 15th July 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.
Pay Range:
£42,000.00-
£55,125.00
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
#LI‑CE1 #LI‑Hybrid #WeAreSMR #destinationnuclear
Engineer - Test Capability in Derby employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
Rolls-Royce SMR Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Power Station Integration team. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises personal development and work-life balance, making it an ideal place for engineers looking to grow their careers in a supportive environment.
