At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Engineering Operating System for innovative clean energy projects.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in transforming clean energy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-pressure, cutting-edge engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in engineering, with a focus on integration and risk management.
Location
Hybrid – Warrington, Derby or Manchester (with regular on-site collaboration).
Overview
Rolls‑Royce SMR is transforming the future of clean energy by developing world‑class Small Modular Reactors. This role sits within the Engineering Directorate, working closely with senior leaders across engineering, digital, safety and programme delivery. As Head of Engineering Operating System, you will provide operational leadership of the EOS to ensure an integrated, regulator‑credible system that supports rapid, auditable delivery.
Responsibilities
- Lead and continuously evolve the Engineering Operating System to operate as a single, integrated high‑performing enterprise system.
- Provide clear operational oversight of engineering capability, capacity and resilience, ensuring teams can deliver predictably under pressure.
- Turn governance frameworks into practical, system‑enabled controls that drive consistent, compliant delivery.
- Drive adoption of standard processes, tools and digital platforms, reducing fragmentation across engineering teams.
- Partner with DigIT and platform owners to optimise system performance and resolve delivery‑impacting issues.
- Identify and manage systemic risks, providing early visibility and ensuring effective mitigation across the organisation.
- Deliver clear, data‑led insight into EOS performance, trends and system health to inform leadership decision‑making.
Qualifications
- Strong senior leadership experience in enterprise‑scale engineering environments, ideally within regulated or safety‑critical industries.
- A track record of operating and improving engineering systems, governance and assurance processes in live delivery environments.
- Deep understanding of risk, controls and information integrity at an organisational level.
- Experience working across engineering, digital and programme delivery functions, with a strong focus on integration.
- Degree qualification in engineering (or equivalent) and professional recognition such as Chartered Engineer.
- A collaborative, pragmatic leadership style with the ability to influence and align diverse senior stakeholders.
- The judgement and resilience to maintain control, pace and quality in complex, high‑pressure delivery settings.
What You’ll Get
- Salary: £85,600.00 – £112,350.00 DOE.
- Bonus: Performance‑related target opportunity of 20%.
- Benefits Allowance: £8,500 per annum.
- Pension: 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- Holidays: 28 days + public holidays, plus option to buy or sell up to 4 days.
- Private Medical Insurance: BUPA single cover health care.
- Life Assurance: 6x pensionable pay.
- One‑off payment for new starters for home office purchases.
EEO & Inclusion
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 can thrive.
Head of Engineering Operating System 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering Operating System
✨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 Head of Engineering Operating System 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 Head of Engineering Operating System 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 Head of Engineering Operating System
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Engineering Operating System, 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.
