At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop innovative engineering analysis software and improve workflows.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in pioneering engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering with cutting-edge technology and AI-driven methods.
- Qualifications: Strong software development skills and a passion for engineering efficiency.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR, working on pioneering engineering analysis across structural, thermo‑fluid, electrical and more. Software solutions play an essential role in automating analysis workflows and advancing to AI‑driven methods for higher accuracy, faster cycles and greater efficiency.
Role Overview
As the Lead Specialist, you will provide technical leadership for the design, delivery and governance of engineering‑analysis software. You will build and mentor a small team of dedicated software engineers, set strategy, and ensure all tools meet the highest standards of quality and reliability for safety‑significant work.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead a team of software engineers on high‑complexity, cross‑discipline projects.
- Develop and own strategy, tools, processes and guidance for high‑quality engineering software development.
- Act as technical authority for the quality of all analysis‑related software, whether developed in‑house or by supply‑chain partners.
- Identify and champion opportunities for efficiency and quality improvements across analysis workflows.
- Build organisational capability through coaching, mentoring and training of engineers.
- Collaborate with the DigIT function to secure appropriate tools and platforms and align with the broader digital transformation program.
- Engage with external suppliers, industry forums, research communities and represent RR‑SMR at customer and regulator engagements.
- Influence and shape long‑term strategy for engineering software development, including AI and advanced digital approaches.
- Work across the Engineering Specialist Taxonomy to support cross‑domain integration challenges.
Required Skills & Experience
- Strong background in software development (Python or similar) to automate and streamline engineering workflows.
- Deep knowledge of software quality principles, external standards and governing processes for engineering tools.
- Passion for using software to improve efficiency, accuracy and repeatability in engineering analysis.
- Experience applying quality management to engineering tools and software workflows.
- Ability to provide robust technical oversight of internal and supplier‑developed software.
- Proven coaching, mentoring and training experience to upskill engineering teams.
- Strong communication skills and ability to represent RR‑SMR externally with customers, regulators or industry bodies.
- Aware of industry trends, digital advances and AI‑driven opportunities.
- Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline.
- Chartered status or actively working toward chartership.
- Open to candidates from high‑integrity industries such as nuclear, aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing and software.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary band: £60,000 – £78,750, commensurate with experience.
- Performance‑related bonus opportunity (up to 12.5%).
- Benefits allowance: £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package.
- Pension: 12% employer + 6% employee contributions.
- Holiday entitlement: 28 days + public holidays; ability to buy/sell up to 4 days.
- Private medical insurance (BUPA single cover).
- Life assurance: 6× pensionable pay.
- Home office support: £250 one‑off payment for new starters.
- Hybrid working with a primary site in Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive recruitment practices as a Disability Confident organisation.
Lead Specialist – Software Development for Engineering Analysis 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 in the field of engineering analysis. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and mentoring opportunities, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and hybrid working arrangements. Join us in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
