At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of control systems for next-gen nuclear power plants.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in modern nuclear technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy with innovative technology and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in power plant control and strong systems engineering skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53700 - 70500 £ per year.
We are Rolls-Royce SMR. The Control & Instrumentation (C&I) capability is responsible for defining, designing and delivering the control, protection and automation architecture that underpins safe and efficient operation of the power station. The Functions Control and Automation team defines the plant’s functional behaviour, control philosophy and system-level requirements that drive the design of C&I systems across the RR SMR plant. This role provides the opportunity to shape the behaviour of a next-generation nuclear power plant, working at the interface between systems engineering, plant operations, safety, modelling and C&I system design.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of C&I functional specifications for systems across the RR SMR plant.
- Capture, structure and define plant control functions and translate them into implementable system requirements.
- Support the development of the plant operating philosophy and ensure functional requirements align with overarching plant needs.
- Develop well-defined functional designs that articulate complex system interactions and dependencies.
- Collaborate with C&I architects, system owners, plant engineering teams and modelling & simulation teams.
- Lead work packages, including work breakdown, planning and delivery.
- Support technical decision-making and ensure alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
- Produce clear functional documentation, diagrams, descriptions and structured design justifications.
- Contribute to verification and validation of functional designs and requirements.
- Present functional designs and decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Mentor and support junior engineers within the C&I function.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Experience of power plant operation and control, or equivalent industrial experience in system/plant control.
- Strong understanding of control theory and its application to complex systems.
- Experience producing functional designs and specifications for C&I systems.
- Knowledge of C&I lifecycle activities including V&V, commissioning and maintenance.
- Understanding of designing systems resilient to faults (redundancy, diversity, defensive design principles).
- Knowledge of C&I standards such as IEC 61508, IEC 61513 and IEC 61226, or equivalents from other safety-critical industries.
- Strong systems engineering capability, including requirements management, interface management and structured problem-solving.
- Experience with MBSE and requirements tools such as Capella (preferred), DOORS or Polarion.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to present technical information clearly to stakeholders, including regulators.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
- Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
- Degree in electrical, control, instrumentation, systems engineering or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
Location and Salary
- Location: Hybrid working with Derby, Manchester or Warrington as primary site.
- Salary: £53,700–£70,500 dependent on skills, values and knowledge. Some flexibility with starting salary in exceptional cases.
Benefits
- Bonus – Performance-related target opportunity 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the option 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
Selection Process
The closing date is 7th June 2026. The process begins with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews able to take place straight away.
EEO and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident organisation and strive for fair, supportive and inclusive recruitment practices that allow everyone to thrive.
About Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce SMR is a modern approach to nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470 MW of low-carbon energy, supporting renewable energy and providing a stable, sustainable energy future. We value diversity, inclusion and continuous learning, and provide opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
Senior C&I Engineer - Functional Design employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every voice is heard. With competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and opportunities for professional development, we empower our employees to shape the future of low-carbon energy in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior C&I Engineer - Functional Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Rolls-Royce SMR on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure we can confidently discuss control theory and C&I systems, as well as our experience with tools like Capella or DOORS.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how we've tackled complex system interactions or led multidisciplinary teams in past projects. Real-life stories resonate well!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Rolls-Royce SMR team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior C&I Engineer - Functional Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior C&I Engineer role. Highlight your experience with power plant operations and control, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in functional design and system requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs at Rolls-Royce SMR. Be specific about your experience with C&I systems and your understanding of control theory.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves presenting technical information to various stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status easily. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your C&I Basics
Make sure you brush up on your control theory and its application to complex systems. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past projects, especially in power plant operations or similar environments.
✨Showcase Your Functional Design Skills
Prepare examples of functional designs and specifications you've produced for C&I systems. Highlight your experience with V&V processes and how you've ensured alignment with overarching plant needs in your previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting technical information in a way that's easy to understand for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This is crucial, as you'll need to articulate complex system interactions and dependencies during the interview.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Think about your experiences working across multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've led work packages and supported technical decision-making, showcasing your strong stakeholder management skills.
