At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Structural Analysis team to ensure safe and effective reactor designs.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean nuclear power innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous holiday allowance, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a culture that values diversity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer status and significant leadership experience in engineering.
Location: Any of the Rolls-Royce SMR locations, Manchester, Warrington & Derby (Hybrid)
Our Mission
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are delivering a new generation of clean, reliable nuclear power. Our innovative Small Modular Reactor technology will help meet growing global energy demand while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future. We are bringing together exceptional people to solve complex engineering challenges and accelerate the delivery of sustainable energy solutions.
The Team
Structural Analysis is a critical function within our Engineering organisation, providing the capability that underpins the safety, integrity and performance of our reactor design. Reporting to the Chief Design Engineer for Components & Mechanical Equipment, this role leads a department of approximately 45 specialists and senior leaders, supporting major development programmes, site deployment activities and future fleet operations.
The Role
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most strategically important engineering functions within Rolls-Royce SMR. You will be accountable for the delivery, development and long-term direction of Structural Analysis across the business, balancing programme delivery with capability growth while influencing engineering strategy, organisational priorities and regulatory confidence.
What We'll Need You to Do
- Lead and develop the Structural Analysis function, setting strategic direction for capability, resources and growth.
- Ensure successful delivery of Structural Analysis across development programmes and lifecycle phases.
- Provide enterprise-wide prioritisation across competing programme and business demands.
- Act as the senior authority for Structural Analysis, driving governance, quality and Design Authority maturity.
- Build and inspire a high-performing leadership team and culture of continuous improvement.
- Represent the function with senior stakeholders, regulators, customers and external partners.
What You'll Bring
- Chartered Engineer status (or equivalent) and a degree in an engineering discipline.
- Significant experience leading large engineering functions within complex, regulated industries.
- Proven success leading through senior managers and delivering results across sizeable organisations.
- Strong strategic leadership capability and experience influencing executive stakeholders.
- Technical credibility within Structural Analysis or related engineering disciplines.
- The ability to develop people, drive transformation and build sustainable capability.
Location
This role can be based from any Rolls-Royce SMR location with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available. Regular collaboration across Derby, Warrington and Manchester will be required, with occasional travel to other business and customer sites as needed.
What’s in It for You:
We anticipate paying a salary of between £85,600.00 - £115,800.00 DOE plus:
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 20%
- 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
You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.
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
Head of Structural Analysis 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Structural Analysis in Derby
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Structural Analysis in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Structural Analysis, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Rolls-Royce SMR Limited specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Rolls-Royce SMR Limited, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Rolls-Royce SMR Limited want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
