At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative low voltage switchgear systems.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a pioneer in revolutionising the energy industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity, growth, and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a cutting-edge field with a legacy of innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ 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 Systems team is responsible for delivering safe, resilient and technically robust electrical infrastructure across the SMR power station. Low Voltage (LV) switchgear systems are fundamental to the reliable distribution of power throughout the plant, supporting both safety‑classified and non‑classified systems while ensuring operational resilience and maintainability.
About the Role:
As a Lead Engineer - Low Voltage Switchgear, you will be responsible for the technical specification, development, integration and delivery of 400V AC and 220V DC indoor switchgear equipment across the full project lifecycle. You will develop component requirements and procurement specifications following Systems Requirements Handover, ensuring that system requirements are translated into robust, maintainable and compliant switchgear solutions. Working within the Electrical Components Team, you will manage assigned component packages through the component governance process, supporting Gate Reviews, Design Reviews, procurement, supplier engagement, manufacture, testing, installation and final acceptance. Acting as an Intelligent Customer, you will provide technical oversight to suppliers and engineering partners to ensure all delivered solutions meet project requirements and lifecycle expectations.
We’ll Need You To:
- Develop component requirements for LV switchgear systems from system‑level requirements
- Create and maintain technical specifications for 400V AC and 220V DC switchgear equipment
- Support development of Group Component Specifications (GCS) and Product Type (PT) specifications
- Review engineering calculations, drawings and technical documentation
- Assess designs against safety, reliability, maintainability and operability requirements
- Coordinate technical interfaces with other electrical systems, disciplines and stakeholders
- Act as technical focal point for: Main switchboards, Essential services switchgear, Non‑essential services switchgear, Distribution boards, Motor Control Centres (MCCs), Bus couplers and synchronisation panels, Switchgear auxiliary systems, Protection and control interfaces
- Prepare technical deliverables for Design Reviews and Gate Reviews
- Support technical assurance and independent review activities
- Develop technical procurement specifications and scopes of supply
- Participate in supplier engagement and technical evaluation activities
- Review supplier proposals, compliance documentation, calculations and drawings
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and review certification documentation
- Identify technical risks, assumptions and dependencies and implement mitigation plans
- Coordinate interfaces across systems, protection and control, civil, mechanical, procurement, safety and operations 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:
- Experience in electrical power engineering within design, engineering or equipment delivery environments
- Proven experience in the specification, design, procurement, integration or qualification of low voltage switchgear and MCC systems
- Understanding of the full equipment lifecycle, from concept development through manufacture, testing, installation and commissioning
- Demonstrable knowledge of: LV switchboards, MCCs, Busbar systems, Protection and control equipment, Distribution boards, UPS interfaces, Battery charger interfaces, Auxiliary systems
- Experience developing technical specifications and reviewing supplier designs
- Knowledge of: Protection studies, Discrimination studies, Fault level assessments, Load schedules, Power quality considerations, Arc flash assessments, Maintainability and resilience requirements
- Experience using electrical design and analysis software to support technical substantiation
- Familiarity with standards such as: IEC 61439, IEC 60947, IEC 60529, IEC 62208, BS 7671
- Experience coordinating technical interfaces across multidisciplinary teams
- Strong stakeholder engagement and technical leadership capability
- Experience providing technical guidance and mentoring less experienced engineers
We welcome candidates from Nuclear, Defence, Aerospace, Utilities, Rail, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and other highly regulated industries.
Qualifications:
Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
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 £60,000 – £78,750 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases. 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 5 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 5th October 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
Lead Engineer - Low Voltage Switchgear 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.
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We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Low Voltage Switchgear in Derby
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer - Low Voltage Switchgear in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
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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!
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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.
