Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity in Derby

Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity in Derby

Derby Full-Time 60000 - 83500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
R

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Structural Integrity for cutting-edge nuclear projects and ensure safety compliance.
  • Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in low-carbon nuclear power innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of clean energy and nuclear safety.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Materials Engineering with significant industry experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 83500 £ per year.

Location: Hybrid working with flexibility to be based from any Rolls-Royce SMR office location. Regular travel to Derby, Warrington and Manchester may be required.

Our Mission

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we're delivering a new generation of low-carbon nuclear power that will help address the world's growing energy needs while supporting the transition to net zero. Through innovative engineering, advanced manufacturing and a relentless focus on safety, we're developing industry-leading Small Modular Reactor technology that will provide reliable, clean energy for generations to come.

The Team

You'll join our specialist Structural Integrity team within the Engineering function, working as part of the Component & Structural Integrity Integration capability. This is a highly influential team responsible for providing technical leadership, governance and assurance for the structural integrity of safety-critical pressure boundary components across the Rolls-Royce SMR power station. Working alongside a small team of experienced specialists, you'll collaborate closely with design, materials, manufacturing, quality, non-destructive examination (NDE) and safety case teams. The team plays a critical role in supporting regulatory engagement, progressing the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) programme and ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety are embedded throughout the design process.

The Role

This is a rare opportunity to become the recognised technical authority for Structural Integrity within one of the UK's most exciting nuclear programmes. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Component & Structural Integrity Integration, you'll provide strategic technical leadership across the business, ensuring robust structural integrity requirements are established and implemented across pressure boundary components. You will lead the Structural Integrity aspects of the nuclear safety case, support key regulatory interactions and influence engineering decisions across multidisciplinary teams. The role offers significant visibility, allowing you to shape organisational capability, engage directly with regulators and contribute to the successful delivery of critical programme milestones.

What We’ll Need You to Do

  • Lead the Structural Integrity elements of the nuclear safety case and support key regulatory submissions and assessments.
  • Act as the technical authority for Structural Integrity, providing governance and expert guidance across the business.
  • Support successful delivery of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) programme and other critical engineering milestones.
  • Define and embed Structural Integrity requirements across pressure boundary components including pressure vessels, piping and valves.
  • Collaborate with design, materials, manufacturing, quality and NDE teams to ensure safe, compliant and efficient engineering solutions.
  • Engage with regulators, external partners and suppliers, representing Rolls-Royce SMR on Structural Integrity matters.
  • Mentor and influence engineers and specialists, helping to strengthen capability and promote a positive nuclear safety culture.

What You’ll Bring

  • Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • Active progress towards, or attainment of, professional registration with a recognised engineering institution.
  • Significant Structural Integrity experience within the nuclear industry or another highly regulated engineering environment.
  • Strong understanding of pressure boundary components, including pressure vessels, piping systems and valves.
  • Knowledge of Structural Integrity disciplines including design, stress analysis, materials, manufacturing, quality and non-destructive examination.
  • Experience developing, presenting and defending safety cases and engaging with regulatory bodies.
  • Working knowledge of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section III and relevant industry standards, combined with excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Location

We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements designed to support both collaboration and work-life balance. This role can be based from any Rolls-Royce SMR office location, with travel to Derby, Warrington and Manchester required to support project delivery.

What’s in It for You:

We anticipate paying a salary of between £63,600.00 - £83,500.00 DOE plus:

  • Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
  • Benefits Allowance – £2,200 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

Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity 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.

R

Contact Details:

Rolls-Royce SMR Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity in Derby

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity role you’re after at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity in Derby

Structural Integrity
Nuclear Safety Case Development
Regulatory Engagement
Pressure Boundary Components Knowledge
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Engineering
Stress Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Specialist - Structural Integrity, 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.