At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and refine reactor core models while ensuring safety and performance.
- Company: Leading nuclear engineering firm focused on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for mentoring and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in nuclear safety and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field with 5+ years experience.
The predicted salary is between 53700 - 70500 £ per year.
The Core Design team is responsible for ensuring the SMR reactor core operates within defined safety limits while delivering optimal performance and economic efficiency. This includes support for shutdown margins, DNBR limits, fault response, fuel‑cycle optimisation and load‑following capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and refine neutronic and/or thermal‑hydraulic models of the reactor core.
- Deliver technical analysis across core physics, kinetics and thermal‑hydraulics disciplines.
- Assess steady‑state and transient core performance, ensuring compliance with safety limits.
- Support evaluation of core‑related fault sequences and plant behaviour under fault conditions.
- Develop and implement methodologies for core analysis and modelling.
- Establish verification, validation and uncertainty quantification requirements for analytical models.
- Produce high‑quality technical assessments supporting safety, environmental and economic performance.
- Deliver work packages in line with programme governance, including planning, risk management and reporting.
- Develop integrated task plans and manage risks, issues and opportunities.
- Monitor progress and report against technical and programme milestones.
- Engage with internal stakeholders, customers and regulators to resolve technical queries.
- Manage interfaces with other engineering functions across the SMR programme.
- Ensure compliance with nuclear safety, export control and regulatory requirements.
- Support and mentor junior engineers, providing technical guidance and coaching.
Key Skills Required
- Strong experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysis.
- Understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operating principles.
- Knowledge of nuclear safety case development, regulatory practices and E3S principles (including ALARP and BAT).
- Experience with analysis tools for core physics, kinetics or sub‑channel analysis.
- Experience developing or using analysis tools such as CMS, VIPRE, CTF, S5 or similar.
- Experience developing pre‑ and post‑processing tools, ideally using Python.
- Understanding of software development processes and quality assurance frameworks.
- Proven ability to deliver complex technical work packages to time, cost and quality.
- Strong planning and organisational skills, with ability to manage dependencies and priorities.
- Ability to identify and manage technical risks and drive resolution.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills, including engagement with stakeholders.
- Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Ability to coach, mentor and support the development of junior engineers.
Qualifications
- A strong academic background with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a closely related discipline.
- Typically 5+ years’ experience in reactor physics and/or thermal‑hydraulics analysis, and experience in analysis scripting or data processing tools (e.g. Python).
Location and Working Arrangement
Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary band: £53,700 – £70,500, commensurate with skills, values and experience.
- 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 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 for this role is 7th June 2026. Initial contact will be an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by interviews. All candidates will be required to complete security clearance, DBS and financial probity checks.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone can thrive.
Senior Engineer - Core Design & Performance employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
As a Senior Engineer in the Core Design team, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises safety, performance, and employee development. With a hybrid working model based in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment where every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer - Core Design & Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company through LinkedIn or industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics confidently. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to core performance and safety limits during interviews. We love candidates who can think on their feet and offer innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer - Core Design & Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Engineer role. Highlight your reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics experience, and don’t forget to mention any tools you’ve used like Python or CMS.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about core design and performance. Share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to emphasise your technical writing and communication skills. Mention any collaborative projects you've worked on, especially those involving multidisciplinary teams, as this is key for us at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨Know Your Core Physics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics analysis. Be prepared to discuss specific models you've developed or worked with, and how they relate to the safety limits and performance metrics outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with analysis tools like CMS, VIPRE, or Python scripting. Bring examples of how you've used these tools in past projects, especially in relation to core performance assessments or fault response evaluations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and regulators. Prepare to discuss how you've resolved technical queries in the past and how you would approach similar situations in this role.
✨Plan for Success
Discuss your planning and organisational skills by sharing examples of how you've managed complex work packages. Be ready to talk about how you identify and manage risks, and how you ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
