At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and analyse cutting-edge reactor core performance for small modular reactors.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in innovative nuclear technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of energy with advanced engineering.
- Qualifications: Master’s in Nuclear Engineering or related field; experience in reactor physics preferred.
The predicted salary is between 44550 - 58450 £ per year.
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR, a pioneering leader in small modular reactors. The Core Design team ensures the SMR reactor core operates within safety limits while delivering optimal performance and economic efficiency.
As an Engineer – Core Design and Performance you will develop, analyze, and assess SMR reactor core performance. You will support and enhance neutronic and thermal‑hydraulic models, contribute to safety justification and performance optimisation, and develop core analysis methods and tools.
Responsibilities
- Support development and refinement of neutronic and/or thermal‑hydraulic core models.
- Deliver technical analysis across core physics, kinetics and thermal‑hydraulics disciplines.
- Contribute to assessment of steady‑state and transient core performance.
- Support evaluation of core‑related fault sequences and plant behaviour.
- Assist in development, optimisation and application of analysis methodologies and tools.
- Support data evaluation, integration and optimisation of analysis workflows.
- Contribute to verification, validation and uncertainty quantification activities.
- Produce technical inputs to support safety, environmental and economic performance assessments.
- Support delivery of work packages in line with programme plans and governance processes.
- Communicate progress, risks and technical outputs effectively.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Key skills required
- Academic or early career experience in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics or nuclear engineering.
- Understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) systems (or transferable experience from similar reactor technologies).
- Awareness of nuclear safety principles and regulatory expectations, including E3S concepts (ALARP, BAT).
- Experience with core design analysis tools (e.g. CASMO, SIMULATE, VIPRE, CTF).
- Experience or interest in developing analysis tools or scripts (e.g. Python).
- Understanding of engineering analysis methods and data handling.
- Awareness of software development or quality assurance processes (desirable).
- Ability to plan and deliver technical tasks within agreed timescales.
- Strong problem‑solving, analytical and organisational skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate across disciplines.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline.
- Typically 2+ years’ experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysis.
- Experience in analysis scripting or data processing tools (e.g. Python) desirable.
Location
Hybrid working with primary site at Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary and benefits
Salary band: £44,550 – £58,450, based on skills and experience. Benefits include:
- Performance‑related bonus up to 12.5%.
- Benefits allowance £2,200 per annum.
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- 28 days holiday plus public holidays; option 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.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Closing date: 7th June 2026.
Engineer - Core Design & Performance employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of nuclear engineering. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and private medical insurance. With opportunities for professional growth and development in a pioneering environment located in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington, we are committed to supporting our team members in achieving their career aspirations while contributing to the advancement of small modular reactor technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer - Core Design & Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Rolls-Royce SMR on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your core design knowledge. We recommend practising common reactor physics questions and being ready to discuss your experience with tools like CASMO or Python.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! During interviews, be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to thermal-hydraulics or core performance. Think through your answers out loud to demonstrate your analytical process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer - Core Design & Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Engineer – Core Design and Performance role. Highlight any relevant projects or tools you've worked with, especially in reactor physics or thermal hydraulics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about nuclear engineering and how your background makes you a great fit for our team at Rolls-Royce SMR. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially those related to core design analysis tools like CASMO or SIMULATE. If you have experience with Python or other scripting languages, make sure to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Core Concepts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of reactor physics and thermal hydraulics. Understanding the principles behind pressurised water reactor systems will give you a solid foundation to discuss during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific examples where you've used analytical methods or tools, like CASMO or Python, to tackle complex engineering challenges. This will show that you can contribute effectively to the team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Whether it's discussing technical outputs or project progress, being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.
✨Collaborate and Connect
Highlight your teamwork experience. Be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively across disciplines in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you can integrate well into their multidisciplinary engineering teams.
