Senior Reactor System Design Engineer in Manchester

Rolls‑Royce SMR is pioneering a new generation of clean, affordable nuclear energy through its Small Modular Reactor technology. As the UK’s preferred SMR vendor, Rolls‑Royce SMR is driving innovation to support global net-zero goals, energy security, and industrial decarbonisation. Joining the team means working at the forefront of advanced engineering, shaping sustainable energy solutions with real-world impact.

The role

We are looking for Senior Reactor System Design Engineers. As we advance through detailed design and licensing, we’re expanding our Reactor Plant and Systems team with talented Reactor System Design Engineers at all levels of experience. This is your chance to work on cutting-edge technology that will power a sustainable future.

The Team

Our department is at the heart of innovation designing and developing the mechanical, fluid, and safety systems that make up the Reactor Island. From reactor core and coolant systems to passive safety, hazard protection, HVAC, and fuel handling, you’ll play a vital role in creating solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental responsibility.

You will contribute to:

• Transforming concepts into reality through detailed system design and robust safety justifications.
• Driving performance excellence with evidence-based assessments and through-life operating principles.
• Collaborating across disciplines to solve complex technical challenges and deliver world-class engineering.

Key Role Criteria:

To succeed in this role, you'll bring a solid understanding of the nuclear industry, including the safety principles that guide our work such as E3S, ALARP and BAT. Experience with nuclear plant operations—particularly Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) design—will help you confidently navigate the technical landscape. You’ll be comfortable applying systems engineering approaches, from functional modelling and optioneering to developing and managing requirements within frameworks like REDV, while ensuring functional interfaces are well understood and effectively managed.

Your background will include working with process or mechanical systems, ideally spanning areas such as reactor cores, steam raising plant, inventory management, HVAC, waste processing, fuel handling, and chemical or auxiliary systems involving gases or water. You’ll have the capability to develop system designs, including equipment sizing and specification, and to produce clear design documentation such as P&IDs and technical reports.

We’re also looking for someone who can provide confident technical leadership—someone who enjoys guiding engineering teams, shaping work packages, and supporting the delivery of key milestones. If you have experience in project definition, risk management, technical supervision and ensuring high-quality outputs, you’ll thrive in this environment.

The Impact

The aim of this role is to design and develop critical reactor systems that form the backbone of Rolls-Royce SMR technology, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Your impact on the business will be profound, driving technological innovation, guaranteeing adherence to stringent safety and environmental standards, and building the engineering capability needed to deliver clean, affordable energy to the world.

What’s in it for you

We anticipate a salary of £48,000-£62,500 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. We also offer excellent benefits including:

• Bonus - Performance related bonus of up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance - £2200, 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 join a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.

Location

We offer a flexible hybrid working model, with offices located in Manchester, Derby, and Warrington. The frequency of office attendance will be discussed and agreed during the interview process.

Selection Process

The process includes an introductory call with our Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by two interview stages. Due to nuclear industry regulations, additional screening will apply (BPSS, DBS, financial probity).

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

Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an exciting organisation delivering a transformational mission. Rolls-Royce SMR is a radically different approach to proven nuclear technology. Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station will generate 470MW of low-carbon energy - equivalent to more than 150 onshore wind turbines and enough to power a million homes for over 60 years. With its Rolls-Royce SMRs will play a vital role in supporting renewable energy by helping to overcome intermittency and ensure a stable, sustainable energy future.

We’re proud to be one of the few employers that can genuinely say we’re a strengths-based organisation. Our people are here because of what makes them exceptional - and our role is to help them make the most meaningful contribution of their careers, doing work they love. We offer opportunities that go beyond traditional career paths. At Rolls-Royce SMR you can develop your career by exploring roles and challenges that align with your unique talents.

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are committed to ensuring that our teams reflect the communities we serve and that everyone can be themselves at work. We know that diverse teams are more innovative and get better results, and that our people can thrive and be more successful in truly inclusive cultures. Join us and help shape our culture.