Head of Reactor Mechanical Systems in Derby

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, our mission is simple but ambitious: to deliver clean, affordable, secure energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology offers a British‑designed solution to a global energy challenge, supporting energy security, decarbonisation and economic growth. We are uniquely positioned to become a world leader in SMRs and one of the UK’s most exciting green‑export technologies of the future.

The Team

You’ll join the engineering function responsible for delivering all mechanical and process systems central to the SMR — including reactor coolant, nuclear steam supply, auxiliary systems, fuel‑handling and waste‑processing systems. This team’s objective is to complete the RR SMR reactor systems design, ensure the delivery of robust technical evidence, and embed strong governance across design programmes. Your leadership will shape how the team delivers safe, reliable, high‑performance reactor systems for a first‑of‑a‑kind nuclear product.

Role Summary

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the future of nuclear energy. In this role, you will set the technical direction for all Reactor Mechanical Systems, leading a department of ~50–60 engineers (with three direct senior manager reports). You will provide strategic and technical leadership across the design, safety justification and delivery programme. This role is essential in driving design maturity, ensuring regulatory robustness and enabling Rolls‑Royce SMR to bring a safe, reliable and world‑class SMR to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the full scope of mechanical and process systems design across the Reactor Island.
• Developing and embedding the delivery model that will enable completion of the reactor systems design.
• Demonstrating control of the design programme, setting schedules, milestones and design‑progress metrics.
• Chairing technical and programme governance reviews, ensuring engineering outputs meet quality, safety and regulatory standards.
• Leading through managers, building capability, coaching senior leaders and enabling high‑performing teams.
• Driving operational effectiveness and strengthening supplier/contractor performance.

The Impact

Your leadership will directly shape the delivery, safety and performance of a first‑of‑a‑kind nuclear reactor design. In this role, you will influence technical strategy, regulatory confidence, team capability and long‑term SMR programme success. You will help ensure that our mechanical systems deliver safe, efficient, decarbonised energy — contributing to one of the most important clean‑technology missions in the UK.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

We will need you to bring:

• Demonstrated leadership of large multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, including leading through senior managers.
• Proven experience delivering complex engineering design programmes within highly regulated environments.
• Strong domain knowledge of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design, nuclear systems or equivalent complex systems.
• Expertise in systems engineering, including requirements, verification & validation, configuration control.
• Experience engaging with regulators (ALARP/BAT understanding is highly valuable).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent.

Location & Ways of Working

We offer hybrid working with offices in Derby, Warrington and Manchester. We are flexible on where you are based; however, due to the seniority and visibility of this role, we anticipate regular weekly attendance at one or more of our sites. Details can be discussed during the recruitment process.

Our Recruitment Process

The process will begin with an introductory call with your Talent Acquisition Partner and will be followed by 1st and 2nd stage interviews.

Pay and Benefits

We anticipate paying a salary between £85,600 - £105,000 Dependant on Experience. Bonus - Short Term Incentive - Performance Based- target opportunity 20%. Benefits Allowance - £8,500, 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.

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.