Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Nuclear Pressure Vessels

Rolls-Royce SMR is at the forefront of developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and low-carbon nuclear power. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful manufacturing of Reactor Pressure Vessels (RPVs) and other critical nuclear components within the supply chain. Reporting to the Senior Manager - Manufacturing Methods, the role will focus on supplier readiness, ensuring manufacturing partners meet Rolls-Royce SMR’s technical and quality requirements before production begins. The engineer will provide technical support throughout the manufacturing process, resolving fabrication challenges and ensuring compliance with nuclear safety and regulatory standards such as ASME BPVC Section III and ONR nuclear regulations.

Key role criteria:

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience working on products for nuclear power plants including familiarity with nuclear regulations and codes.
• Awareness of PWR design and functionality.
• Strong knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III & NQA-1 and relevant industry guidance and regulations e.g. from the IAEA, NRC, ONR and ENIQ.
• An understanding of processes critical to the manufacture of Nuclear Pressure Vessels e.g. Welding & cladding (GTAW, GMAW, SAW), Non-destructive testing techniques (UT, RT, PT & MT), Pressure Testing, PWHT, forging and machining.
• Awareness of the impact radiation plays on reactor plant design and the subsequent manufacturing controls required e.g. cleanliness, control of consumables, testing and quality assurance requirements.
• Experience working in a heavy fabrication environment making products for the nuclear market.
• Experience working with suppliers to assess and enhance their technical capability, capacity, and manufacturing readiness.
• Experience of providing on-site and remote technical support to suppliers, addressing fabrication, welding, machining, and assembly challenges as they arise.
• Proven ability to define, plan, monitor and control projects, programmes and work packages, ensuring the work is delivered to cost, quality and schedule.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with stakeholders and cross-functional teams at all levels as well as with suppliers and customers.
• A strong questioning attitude with an ability to influence others and stand alone where required.

In addition we are looking for:

• Professionally Qualified Engineer (e.g. UK minimum HND/foundation degree or other national equivalent) in an engineering discipline.
• Recognised professional engineering accreditation (e.g. ECUK IEng or CEng) is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing/industrial engineering, particularly in a regulated environment with related vessels manufacturing experience (nuclear, aerospace, defence).

Pay and benefits:

• Salary of between £48,000 - £62,500 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

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. Rolls-Royce SMR is a place where everyone can grow, so whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day and help shape our culture.

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