Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of material specifications and support manufacturing processes for nuclear-grade integrity.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy and innovative nuclear technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in materials manufacturing and technical audits.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 50650 - 66500 £ per year.
At Rolls-Royce SMR, our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme is a British solution to a global energy challenge, designed to accelerate decarbonisation while supporting energy security. We are uniquely positioned to become a world leader in SMR technology and one of the UK's most exciting green export opportunities—combining proven nuclear engineering with advanced modular manufacturing to transform how low-carbon power is delivered.
The Team
You will be joining the Materials & Chemistry team. This cross-functional group supports the entire lifecycle of the RR-SMR—from concept design to decommissioning—providing essential expertise across Reactor Plant & Systems, Components & Mechanical Equipment, Manufacturing Engineering, the Conventional Island, and both internal and external supply chain stakeholders. Your contribution will help shape the safety, integrity, and performance of the SMR design.
Role Summary
We are recruiting a Senior Materials Engineer – Welding & Manufacturing, a key technical role responsible for developing, assuring, and integrating the welding and manufacturing requirements that underpin the RR-SMR design. This role is essential to ensuring that all structural materials, welds, special processes, and manufacturing routes meet our expectations for nuclear-grade integrity. You will act as a technical partner to our supply chain, and a trusted advisor within multidisciplinary engineering teams. Your contribution will significantly influence compliance, manufacturability, and long-term plant safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the development and delivery of material specifications and providing expert manufacturing support.
- Acting as technical partner for suppliers who design and manufacture metallic components—reviewing and approving Methods of Manufacture, documentation packs, data cards, and final documentation.
- Supporting the design and welding teams on weld consumable specification, supply, and control.
- Conducting or supporting special process audits (such as heat treatment, forging, welding) and maintaining oversight of supplier special processes and non-conformance resolution.
- Collaborating closely with internal engineering and project stakeholders, representing RR-SMR with suppliers and industry bodies.
The Impact
In this role, you will directly contribute to the integrity and manufacturability of the RR-SMR's key components. Your expertise ensures that welded structures, fabrication processes, and material properties meet stringent nuclear requirements. This role influences safety, schedule, supply chain readiness, and component performance—making it a high-impact opportunity to shape how SMRs are manufactured and delivered.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline (materials, welding, mechanical, manufacturing, etc.).
- Strong understanding of materials systems, their behaviour, and intended nuclear uses.
- Practical experience in materials manufacturing, including interpretation of manufacturing routes, special process controls, forging, fabrication, welding, post-weld heat treatment, and documentation packs.
- Experience supporting or conducting technical audits of special processes.
- Experience working in a regulated industry, ideally nuclear or power generation. (Experience with PWR environments, ALARP/BAT, and ASME compliance beneficial.)
- Strong communication skills and proven ability to present technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Location & Working Pattern
We offer a flexible hybrid working model. This role can be based in Derby, Warrington or Manchester, with the frequency of office attendance agreed during the recruitment process based on individual and business needs.
Pay and Benefits
We anticipate paying a salary of between £50,650 - £66,500 plus:
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance – £2,200 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
Senior Materials Engineer in England employer: Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Rolls Royce SMR Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Materials Engineer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the materials engineering field, especially those connected to Rolls-Royce SMR. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself—people love to share insights and might even point you towards job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of nuclear-grade materials. Be ready to discuss your experience with welding and manufacturing processes, as well as how you can contribute to the RR-SMR project. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects related to materials engineering, especially any work involving special processes or audits. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities that match your skills and interests. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Materials Engineer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Materials Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in materials systems, welding, and manufacturing processes. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Rolls-Royce SMR!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about clean energy and how your skills can contribute to our Small Modular Reactor programme. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical expertise in materials engineering. Mention any experience with audits, compliance, and special processes that relate to nuclear-grade integrity. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
✨Know Your Materials Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of materials systems and their behaviour, especially in nuclear applications. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of welding and manufacturing processes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to special processes like heat treatment and welding. Review relevant standards such as ASME compliance and be prepared to explain how you've applied these in past roles. This will show your depth of knowledge and practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Materials Engineer, you'll need to communicate complex technical information clearly. Practice explaining your past projects or experiences to someone without a technical background. This will help you articulate your thoughts during the interview.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Rolls-Royce SMR's mission to deliver clean, affordable energy. Be prepared to discuss how your role as a Senior Materials Engineer aligns with this mission and how you can contribute to their goals in the SMR programme.
