At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead water chemistry control and mentor junior engineers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in nuclear technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Flexible working across UK offices with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of nuclear energy and safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in chemistry or related field with strong practical experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
As a Lead Engineer – Chemistry at Rolls‑Royce SMR you will play a key strategic and technical role in developing, justifying, and integrating water chemistry control across the SMR design. Your work will support performance, safety, regulatory compliance, and overall maturity of the reactor design, directly influencing the SMR programme’s success.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead water chemistry control and justification activities across all reactor operating modes and systems.
- Act as the primary technical interface for the chemistry discipline with regulators, partners, and potential customers.
- Contribute to the SMR safety case, engaging with regulators and customers.
- Coach and mentor junior engineers to build technical capability within the team.
- Conduct detailed technical reviews to ensure chemistry‑related outputs meet quality, accuracy, and compliance requirements.
- Drive strategic development of the chemistry team—identifying opportunities, building networks, and influencing future direction.
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, identify gaps or non‑conformances, and propose robust, practical solutions.
- Maintain engagement with external industry communities to keep the SMR at the forefront of nuclear chemistry practice.
- Own and manage delivery plans, ensuring work is delivered on cost, schedule, and quality targets.
Qualifications & Skills
- Degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related discipline.
- Strong practical experience in applied chemistry.
- Experience working in 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 for explaining complex technical information to varied audiences.
- Strong collaboration skills, building relationships across multidisciplinary teams and external organisations.
- Experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting others in a technical environment.
Location & Ways of Working
Full flexibility across UK offices in Derby, Warrington or Manchester with hybrid working available. Typical expectations are around two days per week in the office, varying with individual needs and team activities.
Pay and Benefits
- Salary £60,000 – £78,750 plus a performance‑related bonus of up to 12.5%.
- Benefits allowance £2,200 for a bespoke package.
- Pension: 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- Holiday entitlement: 28 days plus public holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 4 days.
- Family‑friendly policies and private medical insurance (BUPA).
- Life assurance of 6× pensionable pay and a one‑off start‑up payment of £250 for home‑office purchases.
Employment Equality
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 to ensure everyone can thrive.
Lead Engineer - Chemistry 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. As a Lead Engineer – Chemistry, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements across our UK offices, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday entitlement and family-friendly policies. We are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities for mentorship and engagement with industry communities, ensuring you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nuclear chemistry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Chemistry
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your practical experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills align with their needs—this is your time to shine!
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss complex topics like water chemistry control and regulatory compliance. Practise explaining these concepts clearly, as you’ll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Rolls-Royce SMR.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer - Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in chemistry and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with the Lead Engineer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of technical responsibilities, be sure to include specific examples of your work in applied chemistry, especially in regulated industries. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to safety and compliance.
Communicate Clearly:Your ability to explain complex information is key! Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your communication skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can engage with various audiences, so make it easy for us to understand your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward—just follow the prompts!
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 water chemistry control and PWR plant behaviour. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the technical requirements of the role and how you can contribute to the SMR programme’s success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Engineer, you'll be expected to coach and mentor junior engineers. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence others, as this will be key in your role.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in detailed technical reviews during the interview. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulatory expectations and safety cases related to nuclear chemistry. Being able to explain complex concepts clearly will demonstrate your communication skills and technical expertise.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is crucial in this role, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've identified gaps or non-conformances and proposed practical solutions, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.
