At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative civil and structural engineering projects for a sustainable energy future.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the nuclear sector while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered Engineer or equivalent experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and a leading UK green export technology, helping to shape a more sustainable future.
The Team
The Civil & Structural Engineering team sits at the core of our engineering capability, delivering complex infrastructure solutions across a highly regulated and technically demanding environment. Focused on innovation and integration, the team combines deep technical expertise with forward-thinking approaches to support the successful delivery of first-of-a-kind nuclear programmes.
The Opportunity
In this context, we are looking for a Lead Engineer – Civil and Structural (Cooling Water Island) to support our Manager – Civil & Structural within the GBE-N programme. This role provides technical leadership across a critical infrastructure scope, shaping design solutions and ensuring their successful integration into a landmark nuclear project.
What You’ll Be Helping Us Deliver
- Leading the technical development, assurance and justification of civil and structural solutions across the Cooling Water Island scope, including marine, coastal and infrastructure elements
- Managing the delivery of defined engineering work packages, ensuring outputs align with programme, quality and safety expectations
- Coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams, proactively managing interfaces to ensure cohesive, integrated design delivery
- Resolving complex technical challenges, guiding teams to develop robust, innovative and compliant solutions
- Supporting and mentoring engineers, contributing to capability growth and a strong, values-led team environment
What You’ll Bring
This is a high-impact and visible role within our organisation, where your ability to lead technically, influence stakeholders and bring clarity to complexity will be essential in driving successful outcomes.
What We’re Looking For
- Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer, or equivalent demonstrable experience within a relevant engineering discipline
- Experience leading civil and structural engineering delivery on large-scale or complex infrastructure programmes
- Strong technical knowledge of structural analysis, loading conditions, applicable codes and standards, with experience across infrastructure types such as coastal, marine, tunnelling or water-retaining structures
- Experience working within structured technical governance, with the ability to develop, justify and confidently defend engineering solutions
- An understanding of safety-led design, including integration of conventional health and safety principles, with nuclear safety case experience beneficial
Location
We offer flexible working arrangements, with an expectation of regular site or office attendance to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery.
What’s In It For You?
- Salary of between £60,000-£75,000
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 7%
- 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 payment for new starters for home office purchases
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking, purpose-driven organisation where innovation, inclusion and continuous development are at the heart of how we work—offering real opportunities to grow your career while contributing to a nationally significant programme.
Selection Process
The selection process will include an initial conversation with the Talent Acquisition team, followed by staged interviews with the hiring team. Due to the nature of our industry, successful candidates will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment screening, including security and background checks.
Our Commitment
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. We are happy to discuss flexible working and will make workplace adjustments where needed to support you in performing at your best.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying. There’s no such thing as a perfect candidate—if you feel you meet most of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from those considering a career move or sector transition, particularly where transferable skills can add real value.
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
Lead Engineer - Civil and Structural (Cooling Water Island) employer: Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
Join a pioneering organisation at the forefront of clean energy innovation, where your role as Lead Engineer in Civil and Structural will not only challenge you technically but also empower you to contribute to a sustainable future. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, continuous learning, and career growth, you'll thrive in a supportive environment that values your expertise and encourages collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Enjoy competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to be part of a nationally significant programme that shapes the energy landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer - Civil and Structural (Cooling Water Island)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil and structural engineering field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially anything related to cooling water islands or nuclear infrastructure. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering clean, affordable energy.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your technical skills! Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead complex engineering projects. Use visuals if you can—everyone loves a good presentation that highlights your achievements.
✨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 innovative team at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer - Civil and Structural (Cooling Water Island)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in civil and structural engineering, especially on large-scale projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of delivering clean, affordable energy.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical knowledge! Include specifics about structural analysis, loading conditions, and any relevant codes and standards you’ve worked with. This is your chance to shine and show us you’re the right fit for our innovative team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to civil and structural engineering, especially in areas like structural analysis and loading conditions. Be ready to discuss your experience with large-scale infrastructure projects and how you've tackled complex challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've guided teams through technical challenges and contributed to their professional growth. This will show that you're not just a technical expert but also a great leader.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission to deliver clean, affordable energy. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of becoming a world leader in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about past experiences where you had to resolve complex issues or manage multi-disciplinary teams, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
