Engineer - Commissioning Capability in Manchester

We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

The Development Engineering organisation is responsible for demonstrating that the SMR power station design meets its objectives and requirements. Through verification and validation, testing, commissioning, demonstration and research programmes, the team provides the evidence needed to support the safe and successful delivery of the power station.

Development Engineering comprises four key capability areas: Research & Technology, Verification & Validation, Test, and Commissioning.

About the Role:

As an Engineer – Commissioning Capability, you will play an important role in developing and maintaining the commissioning capability that enables successful delivery of the SMR programme. Reporting to the Senior Manager – Commissioning Capability, you will support the development of the people, processes and tools required to deliver commissioning activities across the business. Working closely with engineering, project, operational and supply chain teams, you will help ensure that commissioning arrangements meet both business and regulatory requirements.

This role is well suited to engineers with experience in commissioning, operations, systems engineering or regulated project delivery who enjoy improving how complex engineering programmes are delivered.

We’ll Need You To:

• Support the development and implementation of commissioning strategies, processes and methodologies
• Develop and maintain commissioning tools, standards, guidance and supporting documentation
• Support the delivery of technical quality and competency across commissioning activities and the wider supply chain
• Work with design teams to ensure systems and plant designs support efficient commissioning
• Help create and maintain commissioning processes that satisfy business and regulatory requirements
• Support capability development activities across people, processes and tools
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Commissioning Capability team
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering teams and project stakeholders
• Support commissioning governance arrangements and business readiness activities
• Promote strong nuclear safety behaviours and a positive safety culture

Key Skills Required:

We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:

• Experience in the development or implementation of commissioning arrangements
• Experience commissioning engineering systems within regulated industries
• Understanding of commissioning governance, procedures and supporting documentation
• Awareness of nuclear licensing requirements and their practical application is desirable
• Experience developing and continuously improving engineering processes, methods and tools
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and challenging the status quo
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to bring multidisciplinary teams together to solve complex problems
• Experience managing uncertainty and adapting to changing priorities
• Systems‑thinking mindset with experience applying systems engineering principles
• Strong analytical and methodical approach to engineering challenges
• Commitment to strong safety culture and positive engineering behaviours

Candidates from Nuclear, Defence, Aerospace, Energy, Rail, Oil & Gas and other highly regulated industries are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

Degree‑qualified in an Engineering discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.

Location:

Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

Salary and Package:

The salary band for this role will be between £42,000 – £55,150 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, and the role may develop further as the programme grows.

Benefits include:

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Selection Process:

The closing date for this role is 16th August 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

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.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.

Our Application Process:

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• 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