Senior Engineer - Verification and Validation Capability in Derby

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 Development Engineering organisation is responsible for proving that the SMR power station design meets its objectives and requirements. This includes generating data and evidence across verification, testing, demonstration and research activities. Verification & Validation (V&V) capability is essential to ensure that high‑integrity engineering processes, tools and people are in place to support safe, compliant and efficient delivery of the RR SMR design.

As a Senior Engineer – V&V Capability, you will lead the development and continuous improvement of V&V processes, tools, methods and standards across the business. You will work closely with subject matter experts, development engineering teams, project delivery teams and wider engineering stakeholders to ensure that V&V is implemented consistently and effectively across the programme.

You will be responsible for defining and enhancing the capability required to deliver V&V activities, ensuring technical excellence, supporting resource planning and maintaining quality, competency and safety throughout V&V delivery. This role plays a key part in integrating V&V into broader business processes to enable right‑first‑time delivery and robust technical assurance.

We’ll Need You To:

• Create and implement efficient, integrated V&V processes, methods, tools and standards
• Support strategic resource planning to meet business needs (internal and external)
• Work with SMEs and capability engineers to ensure technical excellence across development engineering
• Support project teams to meet cost, schedule and quality commitments through good V&V practice
• Ensure V&V processes and tools integrate effectively with wider business systems and requirements
• Maintain technical quality, competency and safety across the development supply chain
• Provide guidance, coaching and influence to uplift V&V capability across the organisation
• Lead improvement initiatives to enhance V&V strategy, governance and delivery approaches

Key Skills Required:

• Experience in verification and validation of new products, ideally in a safety‑critical and regulated industry such as nuclear, power generation, oil & gas or process industries.
• Experience contributing to or developing V&V strategies, plans, exit criteria, verification activities or evidence review
• Experience developing or improving engineering methods, tools, processes or capability at a departmental level
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to influence multidisciplinary teams, communicate complex topics clearly and manage change effectively
• Systems‑engineering mindset with experience using systems engineering tools and techniques
• Strong analytical and methodical approach, comfortable managing uncertainty and evolving technical programmes
• Ability to coach, review and technically check others’ work with constructive feedback and attention to detail
• Degree in engineering, physical sciences or equivalent experience; Chartered Engineer (or working towards) preferred

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 £50,650 - £66,500 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be some flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and, in due course, the role may be developed further.

Benefits include:

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity 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 ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

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, and a culture that values diversity, collaboration and continuous learning.

Selection Process: The closing date for this role is 10th May 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