At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead water chemistry control and mentor junior engineers in a dynamic nuclear engineering environment.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy solutions and innovative nuclear technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of low-carbon energy while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in chemistry or related field with experience in nuclear or regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
At Rolls‑Royce SMR, our mission is simple and ambitious: to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, helping the world transition to low‑carbon energy while supporting energy security. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMR technology — a next‑generation approach to nuclear energy and the UK’s premier green export opportunity. As a fast‑growing organisation backed by decades of engineering excellence, this is an exciting time to join us.
You will join our Materials & Chemistry team, a growing group of more than 20 engineers supporting the full lifecycle of the Rolls‑Royce SMR power plant, from concept design through to operation and decommissioning. The team plays a cross‑functional role across the business. Your work will directly support performance, safety, regulatory compliance, and the overall maturity of our reactor design — making this team essential to the success of the SMR programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading water chemistry control and justification activities across all reactor operating modes and systems.
- Acting as a primary technical interface, representing the chemistry discipline with authority and clarity.
- Contributing to the SMR safety case, including engagement with the regulator and potential customers.
- Coaching and mentoring junior engineers to build technical capability in the team.
- Conducting detailed technical reviews to ensure chemistry‑related outputs meet quality, accuracy, and compliance requirements.
- Driving strategic development of the chemistry team — identifying opportunities, building networks, and influencing the future direction of the discipline.
- Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, identifying gaps or non‑conformances and proposing robust, practical solutions.
- Staying connected to external industry communities, ensuring Rolls‑Royce SMR remains at the forefront of nuclear chemistry practice.
- Owning and managing delivery plans, ensuring work is delivered to cost, schedule, and quality requirements.
Essential Qualifications & Skills
- A degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related discipline.
- Strong, practical experience in applied chemistry.
- Experience working in the nuclear, power generation, or other highly regulated industries.
- Understanding of PWR plant behaviour, ALARP principles and regulatory expectations (highly beneficial).
- Ability to interpret chemistry data, predict trends, and assess implications for safety and operability.
- Clear, confident communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical information to varied audiences.
- Strong collaboration skills — able to build relationships across multidisciplinary teams and external organisations.
- Experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting others in a technical environment.
Location & Ways of Working
We offer full flexibility across our UK offices in Derby, Warrington or Manchester, with hybrid working available. Typical expectations are around two days per week in the office, although this may vary depending on individual needs and team activities.
Pay and Benefits
- Salary: £60,000-£78,750 plus up to 12.5% performance related bonus.
- Benefits Allowance: £2200.
- 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.
- Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover health care.
- Life Assurance: 6x pensionable pay (£250).
- One‑off payment for new starters for home office purchases.
Why Join Us?
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. We offer a flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment, opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business, and a culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
Our Application Process
- 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.
Lead Chemist (Nuclear Engineering) employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and a flexible working environment across our UK offices, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in nuclear energy. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to delivering clean, affordable energy for all, where your expertise will directly impact the future of sustainable power generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Chemist (Nuclear Engineering)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the nuclear engineering field, especially those at Rolls-Royce SMR. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might help you land that Lead Chemist role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the specifics of water chemistry control and its application in nuclear reactors. Brush up on your knowledge of PWR plant behaviour and ALARP principles, so you can confidently discuss how your expertise aligns with the company's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! If you’ve coached or supported junior engineers before, make sure to highlight this experience. Rolls-Royce SMR values collaboration and building technical capability, so let them know how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Rolls-Royce SMR family and contributing to their exciting journey in clean energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Chemist (Nuclear Engineering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Chemist role. Highlight your experience in applied chemistry and any relevant work in nuclear or regulated industries. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Rolls-Royce SMR!
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 you can contribute to our Small Modular Reactor programme. Keep it concise but impactful — we love a good story!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working across multidisciplinary teams, make sure to highlight your collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've built relationships and influenced outcomes in previous roles — we value teamwork here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Chemistry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your chemistry knowledge, especially in relation to nuclear engineering. Be prepared to discuss water chemistry control and how it impacts reactor safety and performance. Familiarise yourself with PWR plant behaviour and ALARP principles, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Chemist, you'll be expected to mentor junior engineers and lead projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached others or led a team in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, as this is crucial for collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Since this role involves engaging with regulators, it's essential to demonstrate your understanding of regulatory expectations in the nuclear industry. Research current regulations and be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance in your work. This shows that you're not just technically proficient but also aware of the broader context.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to identify gaps or propose solutions. Think about past challenges you've encountered in your work and how you addressed them. This will showcase your critical thinking skills and your ability to drive strategic development within the chemistry team.
