At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of 60 engineers to develop cutting-edge mechanical systems for clean energy.
- Company: Join a leading UK clean energy programme focused on innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, private medical cover, and flexible working.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in leading large teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working with one of the following primary offices – Manchester, Derby or Warrington.
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all through our Small Modular Reactor – a British solution to global energy challenges.
Role Overview
The Components and Mechanical Equipment function drives the technical integrity, safety and industrial readiness of the SMR's core mechanical systems. This role leads a department of around 60 engineers, provides senior technical and leadership accountability, and reports to the Chief Design Engineer – Components and Mechanical Equipment.
Responsibilities
- Act as delegated design authority, leading technical governance, risk and programme reviews.
- Direct the development and delivery of mechanical systems including plant, commodity and support equipment.
- Own product development and delivery plans, milestones, risks and opportunities.
- Manage engineering change, substantiation and safety‐case delivery in line with regulatory expectations.
- Lead, develop and scale a large multidisciplinary engineering organisation.
- Work closely with projects, operations and the supply chain to support industrialisation strategy.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree‐qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline) and a Chartered Engineer or equivalent.
- Proven experience leading large engineering teams and delivering complex, safety‐critical systems.
- Demonstrated experience providing technical authority, governing design and leading through ambiguity in regulated environments.
- Backgrounds from nuclear, aerospace, defence, oil & gas or similar sectors are preferred; transferable experience is welcomed.
Location & Ways of Working
Hybrid and flexible working is offered. Attendance at one of the Manchester, Derby or Warrington offices is required as programme and business needs dictate.
Benefits
- Competitive senior leadership salary and benefits package (bonus, pension, private medical cover).
- Real influence and long‐term career opportunities within one of the UK's most significant clean‐energy programmes.
- Flexible, inclusive and supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for career growth and continuous learning.
- Work‐life balance with hybrid working arrangements and flexibility.
Selection Process
The process includes an initial conversation with the Talent Acquisition team followed by two interview stages. BPSS clearance, a DBS check and basic financial probity screening will be required due to the nature of the role.
EEO & Inclusion Statement
We are an equal‐opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability‐Confident organisation, we are committed to inclusive and supportive recruitment practices and to making reasonable workplace adjustments where required. We also welcome applications from those considering a sector move and bringing transferable skills.
Head of Mechanical Equipment employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
As a leader in the clean energy sector, our company offers an exceptional working environment for the Head of Mechanical Equipment role, with hybrid working options available from our Manchester, Derby, or Warrington offices. We pride ourselves on fostering a flexible and inclusive culture that supports employee growth through continuous learning and career advancement opportunities, all while contributing to one of the UK's most significant clean-energy programmes. With a competitive salary and benefits package, you will have the chance to make a real impact in a dynamic and innovative field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Mechanical Equipment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their mission and values, especially around clean energy. We want to see your passion for the role and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and delivering complex projects. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a large engineering organisation, so let that shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Mechanical Equipment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Mechanical Equipment role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on in the nuclear, aerospace, or similar sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about clean energy and how your background makes you the perfect fit for leading our engineering team. Be sure to mention your experience with safety-critical systems.
Showcase Your Technical Authority:In your application, emphasise your experience as a technical authority. Discuss how you've governed design processes and led teams through complex challenges, especially in regulated environments. This will show us you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
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. Plus, it 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 Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around reactor components and safety-critical systems. Be ready to discuss your past experiences leading large teams and how you've tackled complex projects in regulated environments.
✨Show Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your ability to govern design and lead through ambiguity, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission to deliver clean, affordable energy. Be ready to discuss how your background in nuclear, aerospace, or similar sectors aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their Small Modular Reactor programme.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical governance and risk management questions during the interview. Prepare to discuss your approach to managing engineering changes and safety-case delivery, ensuring you can demonstrate your understanding of regulatory expectations.
