At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of reactor core performance and manage a team of engineers.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in nuclear engineering while promoting safety and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field; experience in reactor physics required.
The predicted salary is between 63600 - 83500 £ per year.
We are Rolls‑Royce SMR, a forward‑thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation.
Core Design ensures the SMR reactor core delivers safe, reliable and optimised performance. Core Performance integrates reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance to define reactor operation across all conditions.
Responsibilities
- Lead and drive development of reactor core performance across the SMR programme.
- Manage and develop a team of performance engineers (typically 5–10 people).
- Define and deliver programme plans, milestones and schedules for core performance activities.
- Provide technical leadership across reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance.
- Ensure robustness and validity of analysis methods, models and tools.
- Deliver performance analysis and support safety case development.
- Define and manage verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approaches.
- Establish and maintain quality assurance processes for analysis methodologies.
- Manage risks, opportunities and technical issues across your scope.
- Develop product cost estimates and manage technical performance attributes.
- Apply robust governance processes aligned to programme requirements.
- Engage with internal stakeholders, industry bodies and regulators.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE and regulatory standards.
Key Skills Required
- Strong experience in reactor core performance, reactor physics or thermal hydraulics.
- Deep understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operations.
- Knowledge of nuclear safety case development and UK regulatory practices, including E3S principles (ALARP, BAT).
- Experience developing and applying advanced analysis methods and numerical tools.
- Experience with core physics and thermal‑hydraulic modelling, including coupling of multi‑physics tools.
- Experience developing analysis methodologies aligned to recognised good practice.
- Familiarity with software development processes and quality assurance frameworks.
- Proven track record of delivering complex technical programmes to time and budget.
- Strong planning, organisation and risk‑management capability.
- Excellent technical communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience leading teams, developing people and managing delivery.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Qualifications
- Degree‑qualified in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline.
- Chartered Engineer (or equivalent).
- Proven experience delivering complex nuclear or safety‑critical engineering programmes.
Location
Hybrid working with primary site in either Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary & Benefits
Salary band: £63,600 – £83,500 (dependent on skills, values and knowledge). Benefits include:
- Performance‑related bonus up to 12.5%.
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum.
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- 28 days holidays (plus public holidays) with ability to buy or 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.
Application Process
Applicants required to complete BPSS clearance, DBS check and basic financial probity check.
Closing Date
Closing date for this role is 7th June 2026.
Manager - Core Design & Performance employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation, transparency, and fairness. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills in a supportive environment. With competitive benefits, including a performance-related bonus and comprehensive health coverage, we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive and contribute to the future of nuclear engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager - Core Design & Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their core values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on showcasing your experience in reactor core performance and team management, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager - Core Design & Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Manager - Core Design & Performance role. Highlight your experience in reactor core performance and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don't forget to mention your understanding of nuclear safety and regulatory practices, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams and delivered complex projects on time and within budget. We love seeing how you can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Core
Make sure you have a solid understanding of reactor core performance, thermal hydraulics, and the specifics of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design. Brush up on your knowledge of nuclear safety case development and UK regulatory practices, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team of performance engineers, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and past experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team, managed delivery, or developed people, and be ready to share how you can apply those skills at Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to reactor physics and analysis methodologies. Familiarise yourself with advanced analysis methods and numerical tools, and be ready to explain how you've applied them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and engaged with internal stakeholders or regulators in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and build relationships, as this is crucial for success in the position.
