At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative heat exchanger systems for a cutting-edge energy project.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation leading the way in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, bonus opportunities, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the green energy sector while growing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in heat exchanger design preferred.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 52500 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working with one of the following locations as primary: Derby, Warrington or Manchester.
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 the UK’s premier green export technology.
The Team
The Heat Exchangers team sits within the Plant Equipment function, which forms part of the wider Components & Mechanical Equipment organisation. The team is responsible for delivering the design, development, and technical maturity of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station. You will join a collaborative and diverse team of engineers, combining deep technical expertise with emerging talent. The team operates across multiple UK locations and works closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders including systems, manufacturing, supply chain, and analysis teams to deliver complex engineering solutions. The team is currently focused on supporting critical programme milestones including Generic Design Assessment (GDA), Reference Design development, and future Design Acceptance Reviews.
The Role
We are looking for a Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers to report to the Manager – Heat Exchangers. You will play a key role in the design and development of multiple heat exchanger systems across the SMR plant, contributing to both generic design development and site-specific adaptations. You will support the maturity, integration, and delivery of heat exchanger designs, working within a structured governance and quality framework to meet challenging programme, technical, and regulatory requirements.
What We’ll Need You to Do
- Deliver the design and development of heat exchanger systems across the SMR power station
- Contribute to requirements capture, equipment selection, and thermal/mechanical sizing
- Support lifecycle activities including manufacture, verification, and safety case inputs
- Work to established governance, standards, and quality processes
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the organisation
- Support programme delivery, including key milestones such as Reference
- Contribute to cost and value engineering activities
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders
- Resolve technical challenges and balance competing requirements
- Demonstrate flexibility and contribute across the engineering lifecycle
What You’ll Bring
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- Experience in heat exchanger or similar equipment design
- Strong preference for mechanical design experience
- Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (ASME, TEMA, EN13445, PED/PSSR)
- Experience with tools such as HTRI, Aspen EDR, or similar (desirable)
- Awareness of CFD methods (advantageous)
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Demonstratable experience in a similar role
Location & Ways of working:
This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You will be expected to attend a UK office location as required to support collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery.
What’s in It for You:
We anticipate paying a salary of between £42,000 - £52,500 DOE 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 payment for new starters for home office purchases
You’ll be joining a rapidly growing organisation at a critical stage of its development, offering excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and long-term career progression within a purpose-driven and innovative environment.
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of staged interviews. Due to the nature of the role, successful candidates will be required to complete:
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Basic financial probity checks
Inclusion & Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable workplace adjustments where required to support individuals in performing at their best. Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying, but there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety-critical industries.
Pay Range: £42,000.00-£55,125.00
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
Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers in Manchester employer: Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
Join a pioneering organisation dedicated to delivering clean, affordable energy through innovative Small Modular Reactor technology. With a strong focus on inclusivity and professional development, we offer a flexible working environment across key UK locations, including Derby, Warrington, and Manchester, where you can thrive in a diverse team while contributing to meaningful engineering solutions. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a bespoke benefits allowance, generous holidays, and opportunities for career growth in a rapidly evolving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers in Manchester
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Rolls Royce SMR Ltd..
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Rolls Royce SMR Ltd. love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Rolls Royce SMR Ltd. and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Rolls Royce SMR Ltd. and the Design Engineer – Heat Exchangers role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Rolls Royce SMR Ltd..
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Rolls Royce SMR Ltd..
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Rolls Royce SMR Ltd., making you a more appealing candidate.
