At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative engineering projects in the EC&I sector and shape the future of energy.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a pioneer in revolutionising the nuclear industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a legacy that transforms energy solutions and impacts the world.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical or related field; experience in complex engineering programmes.
The predicted salary is between 85600 - 115800 £ per year.
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 Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) function is responsible for delivering integrated systems that underpin the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the SMR power station. As the programme continues to scale, strong leadership is critical to ensure delivery of a coherent, high‐quality engineering solution.
As Assistant Chief Design Engineer – EC&I, you will operate as a senior leader within Engineering, acting as a key delegate to the Chief Design Engineer and providing technical and programme leadership across a large and complex design organisation. You will be responsible for coordinating and integrating EC&I engineering activities to deliver a single, coherent product solution aligned to programme demands. This includes shaping the integrated engineering delivery model, aligning engineering outputs with the overall programme schedule, and leading prioritisation across competing workstreams.
You will work across Electrical, Control & Instrumentation and wider engineering teams, collaborating closely with project, supply chain and operations functions to solve complex technical and delivery challenges. This role plays a critical part in ensuring engineering delivery aligns with business objectives, safety requirements and industrialisation strategy. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, strategic thinking and the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
We’ll Need You To:
- Act as a delegate to the Chief Design Engineer, supporting leadership and coordination of the EC&I function
- Lead development of the integrated engineering delivery model and programme plans
- Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering workstreams to deliver complex design scope
- Prioritise engineering activities across programme demands in collaboration with project teams
- Lead the management of risks and opportunities across EC&I scope
- Support development and delivery of EC&I industrialisation strategies
- Contribute to development of processes, tools and capability across the department
- Support Heads of Discipline in making key technical and programme decisions
- Chair programme and risk reviews, providing clear reporting to senior stakeholders
- Engage with regulators, customers and external organisations to support programme delivery
- Influence strategic direction and ensure alignment with wider business objectives
- Provide leadership, coaching and direction to engineering teams
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:
- Extensive experience across the lifecycle of EC&I systems and design delivery
- Strong background in delivering complex engineering programmes within regulated environments
- Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and programme delivery activities
- Strong understanding of UK regulatory frameworks, including ALARP and BAT principles
- Experience developing integrated delivery plans and managing programme governance structures
- Experience managing risks, budgets, resources and supply chain delivery at scale
- Strong organisational leadership capability, including strategic planning and performance management
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders across engineering, operations and programme functions
- Strong communication skills and ability to operate effectively at senior leadership level
- Experience working in complex, ambiguous environments and driving decision‐making at pace
Qualifications:
- Degree‐qualified in Electrical, Electronics, Control Systems or a related discipline
- Chartered Engineer (or working towards equivalent) desirable
- Significant experience in EC&I design and programme delivery within a regulated environment
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 £85,600 – £115,800 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases, reflecting the seniority and leadership responsibility of the role.
Benefits include:
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 30%
- Benefits Allowance – £8,500 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package
- Pension - 12% employer and 6% employee contributions.
- Holidays - 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days.
- Private Medical Insurance - BUPA single cover health care
- Life Assurance - 6x pensionable pay
- £250 - One-off payment for new starters for home office purchases
Selection Process: The closing date for this role is 21st June 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
Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I employer: Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are not just shaping the future of energy; we are creating a legacy. Our commitment to innovation and inclusivity fosters a dynamic work culture where employees are empowered to grow and excel in their careers. With competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on continuous learning, we provide an exceptional environment for talented individuals to thrive in the heart of the UK's engineering landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I
✨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 insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for senior engineering roles and practice your answers. We want to show off our technical expertise and leadership skills, so let’s nail that part!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our projects! Bring along examples of past work that highlight our experience in EC&I systems. Visuals can make a big impact, so don’t hesitate to share what we’ve accomplished.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Rolls-Royce SMR. Let’s get our foot in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Chief Design Engineer - EC&I
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Assistant Chief Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in EC&I systems and any leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role at Rolls-Royce SMR and how your background makes you a great fit. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, make sure to highlight your leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven decision-making in complex environments, as this will resonate with us.
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 regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
✨Know Your EC&I Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Electrical, Control & Instrumentation systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex engineering programmes and how you've navigated regulated environments. This will show that you understand the technical demands of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you influenced stakeholders to achieve project goals. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's vision and how the EC&I function fits into it. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the integrated engineering delivery model and align engineering outputs with business objectives. This shows you're not just focused on the task at hand but also on the overall strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage risks or make quick decisions under pressure. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
