Senior Engineer – Materials

Location: Derby, Manchester, Warrington or Hybrid

At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are delivering a new era of clean, affordable nuclear energy. Our mission is to provide scalable low-carbon power that strengthens energy security and supports the global transition to net zero. By combining proven nuclear technology with innovative engineering and advanced manufacturing, we are creating a product with the potential to transform the future of electricity generation.

As part of the Nuclear Engineering & E3S Analysis function, you will join the Materials and Chemistry team, a highly influential discipline that supports the full lifecycle of the Rolls‑Royce SMR power plant. Working across design, manufacturing, operations and regulatory activities, the team provides specialist materials expertise that underpins safety, performance and long‑term plant integrity. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, external partners, suppliers and industry bodies, playing a key role in solving complex challenges within a highly regulated environment.

We are looking for a Senior Engineer - Materials to help shape the future of the Rolls‑Royce SMR programme. This is an opportunity to apply your materials expertise to some of the most challenging engineering problems in the nuclear sector, supporting everything from materials selection and manufacturing assurance to ageing management and analytical assessments. You will take ownership of key technical deliverables, provide guidance to engineers across the team and contribute to critical programme decisions that support design maturity, safety justification and regulatory compliance. Whether your experience lies in materials analysis, manufacturing and welding, ageing management or materials data and qualification, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the successful delivery of the UK’s next generation nuclear power plant.

What We'll Need You to Do

• Lead the development and delivery of materials engineering activities, ensuring outputs are technically robust, compliant and aligned with programme milestones.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support plant integration, resolve materials‑related challenges and influence key design decisions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers across the team, helping to develop capability and maintain high engineering standards.
• Work closely with suppliers, industry bodies and external partners to embed best practice, strengthen technical assurance and address emerging issues.
• Manage multiple work packages simultaneously, balancing technical quality with programme, cost and schedule requirements.
• Support regulatory engagements by producing clear, well‑substantiated technical evidence and responding to materials‑related queries.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the Materials and Chemistry capability by driving continuous improvement, knowledge sharing and strategic planning activities.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree, or equivalent qualification, in Materials Engineering, Metallurgy or a related engineering discipline, with Chartered status or progress towards professional registration.
• Strong experience in materials systems, materials behaviour, manufacturing and fabrication processes, and through‑life performance considerations.
• The ability to develop, review and justify technical requirements, specifications and engineering documentation to a high standard.
• Experience gained within the nuclear sector or another highly regulated industry, with an understanding of safety, quality and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of materials manufacturing, welding technologies, materials degradation mechanisms and their application within complex engineering systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASME and an appreciation of the engineering lifecycle from concept design through to operational support.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence, mentor and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

This role can be based in Derby, Manchester or Warrington, with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available. Regular collaboration with colleagues across our UK sites will be required.

Pay and Benefits

• Salary of between £50,650 - £66,500 plus:
• Bonus – Performance related target opportunity 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum
• 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.

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, and a culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening, including obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check.

Join us and help shape our culture. 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.