At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape Radiographic Testing capability in a pioneering nuclear power project.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in innovative nuclear energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape future NDE support teams and grow within a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of low-carbon power and make a real impact on energy transition.
- Qualifications: ISO 9712 Level 3 certification in Radiographic Testing and relevant industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
Location: Manchester, Warrington or Derby – Hybrid working supported.
About Rolls‑Royce SMR
At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we’re delivering a new generation of nuclear power that will play a critical role in the UK’s energy transition. We’re building something genuinely new – combining engineering excellence, innovation and pace to create scalable, low‑carbon power for decades to come.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and shape Radiographic Testing (RT) capability from the ground up across Rolls‑Royce SMR.
- Take full technical ownership of RT strategy and delivery across factory, site and supply chain environments in a highly regulated nuclear context.
- Act as the RT technical authority, ensuring capability is safe, compliant, future‑proofed and ready to support manufacture of high‑integrity nuclear components.
- Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Regulatory Authorities and external partners to establish industrial radiography capability where it does not currently exist – setting standards, gaining permissions and building long‑term delivery models.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, justification and implementation of radiographic testing methods across factory and site environments.
- Define the RT strategy for Rolls‑Royce SMR, covering module factories, site activities and the wider supply chain.
- Act as RT Subject Matter Expert and technical authority, authoring and approving procedures and methods.
- Engage with HSE, ONR, Radiation Protection Advisers and external agencies to secure permissions and maintain compliance.
- Ensure all RT activity meets IRR2017, Local Rules and nuclear regulatory expectations.
- Support wider Design and Manufacturing Engineering teams with expert RT and NDE input.
- Identify and evaluate new RT technologies, including computed and digital radiography where appropriate.
- Influence how RT capability scales as the business grows.
What We’re Looking For
- ISO 9712 Level 3 certification in Radiographic Testing (welds as a minimum).
- Proven experience with X‑ray and Gamma radiography.
- Demonstrated experience establishing or working within industrial radiography regulatory frameworks.
- Strong understanding of HSE Consent for Industrial Radiography and IRR2017 Local Rules.
- Experience operating as a technical authority, including procedure development and approval.
- The confidence to engage regulators and senior stakeholders on complex technical topics.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of site‑based pipework radiography.
- Exposure to computed or digital radiography.
- Broader NDE knowledge (e.g. UT, PT, MT).
- Experience in nuclear, defence, oil & gas or other high‑integrity regulated industries.
Ways of Working & Location
This role can be based at any RR‑SMR location (Derby, Warrington, Manchester). Flexible and home working is supported, especially in the early phases. Reasonable travel will be required for supplier and site engagement. Full‑time hours are 37.5 per week, with flexibility available.
Team & Future Growth
You won’t have direct reports initially, but this role will form the technical cornerstone of a future NDE support team as Rolls‑Royce SMR scales. You’ll play a key role in shaping how RT capability develops long‑term.
Reward & Benefits
- Salary: £60,000 - £78,750
- Benefits allowance: £2,200
- Bonus opportunity: 12.5%
- Pension: Standard Rolls‑Royce SMR pension 12%
- Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays
- Life assurance: 6x pensionable salary
- Income protection: 50% of salary
- £250 new joiner payment
- Flexible and part‑time working options available
Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know – we’re happy to support. 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.
Lead Engineer - NDE - RT employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and engineering excellence. Our hybrid working model supports flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to the UK's energy transition through cutting-edge nuclear power solutions. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to employee growth, including the opportunity to shape the future of radiographic testing, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding and inclusive workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - NDE - RT
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Rolls-Royce SMR. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with radiographic testing and how it aligns with the role. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you've tackled challenges in radiographic testing or compliance. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate in a highly regulated environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer - NDE - RT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Engineer role. Highlight your ISO 9712 Level 3 certification and any relevant experience in radiographic testing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about nuclear power and how your background makes you the perfect fit for shaping our RT capability. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don’t forget to mention your experience as a technical authority and your familiarity with regulatory frameworks. We’re looking for someone who can confidently engage with regulators and stakeholders, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Rolls-Royce SMR!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your RT Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Radiographic Testing methods and regulations. Be prepared to discuss ISO 9712 Level 3 certification and how it applies to the role. Familiarise yourself with the latest technologies in RT, including computed and digital radiography, as this could set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Technical Authority
During the interview, highlight your experience as a technical authority. Be ready to share examples of how you've developed and approved procedures in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and shape RT strategy effectively.
✨Engage with Regulatory Knowledge
Since compliance is key in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of HSE Consent for Industrial Radiography and IRR2017 Local Rules. Show that you can confidently engage with regulators and senior stakeholders on complex topics.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Even though you won’t have direct reports initially, express your vision for leading a future NDE support team. Talk about how you plan to influence and scale RT capability as the business grows, showcasing your long-term thinking and leadership skills.
