At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering projects for critical nuclear components and ensure safety and quality.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of low-carbon energy with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in safety-critical component design.
The predicted salary is between 53800 - 66500 £ per year.
Locations: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester.
The business: Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls‑Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, combining world‑class engineering with disciplined delivery. We are building scalable nuclear technology with the ambition to become the UK’s premier low‑carbon export.
The team: The Engineering Directorate sits at the heart of Rolls‑Royce SMR, transforming complex nuclear concepts into buildable, licensable products. Within this, the Reactor Assembly and Major Reactor Island Equipment teams drive technical maturity, integration, and programme delivery for some of the most safety‑critical components of our plant.
Summary: In this context, we are looking for a Senior Engineer – Major Reactor Island Equipment (Reactor Pressure Vessel), reporting to the Manager – Heavy Vessels. This role shapes the technical, cost and programme delivery of the critical Reactor Pressure Vessel component, translating generic design into site‑ready, deployable solutions.
We’ll need you to:
- Maturing and governing technical solutions for the Reactor Pressure Vessel
- Leading integrated programmes across design, analysis, manufacture, and verification activities
- Managing cost, risk, and schedule across complex, multi‑site delivery programmes
- Developing and guiding engineers to deliver high‑quality, safety‑critical outputs
Essential skills / qualifications:
- A degree‑level qualification in a relevant engineering discipline, with Chartered Engineer status or actively working towards it
- Experience of designing high‑integrity nuclear or safety‑critical components across the full product lifecycle
- In‑depth knowledge of component integration, verification, manufacture and delivery within complex, regulated engineering environments
Location: We offer flexible and hybrid working. Regular travel between UK sites is expected, with occasional national and international supplier engagement to support programme delivery.
What’s in it for me:
- Salary between £53,800 and £66,500.
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity of 12.5%.
- Benefits Allowance - £2200, 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.
- Family Friendly Policies including: 39 weeks paid Maternity, Surrogacy and Adoption Leave, 6 weeks Paternity Leave, IVF and Assisted Conception, Neonatal Care and more.
- Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care.
- Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay.
- £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases.
Statements: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive recruitment practices and workplace adjustments where needed.
You may not feel you meet every requirement – and that’s okay. If you feel you meet around 75% of the role, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from candidates bringing transferable skills or considering a sector move.
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.
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
Senior Engineer - Major Reactor Island Equipment in Derby employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
Contact Detail:
Rolls-Royce SMR Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer - Major Reactor Island Equipment in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Rolls-Royce SMR on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about delivering clean, affordable energy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences in a structured way, so think of specific situations where you showcased your engineering skills and leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer - Major Reactor Island Equipment in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Engineer role. Highlight your experience in designing safety-critical components and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about clean energy and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention your engineering qualifications and any leadership experience.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical expertise, especially in component integration and verification. We want to see how you can contribute to the Reactor Pressure Vessel project and the broader goals of Rolls-Royce SMR.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining our mission to deliver clean, affordable energy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of high-integrity nuclear components and the full product lifecycle. Be ready to discuss your experience in designing and delivering safety-critical outputs, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for the Senior Engineer role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves guiding engineers and leading integrated programmes, prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or projects, especially in complex, regulated environments.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Rolls-Royce SMR's mission to deliver clean, affordable energy. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of becoming the UK’s premier low-carbon export.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to component integration, verification, and delivery. Brush up on relevant engineering principles and be ready to explain how you would approach challenges in these areas, showcasing your problem-solving skills.