Senior Process Manufacturing Engineer

Rolls‑Royce SMR is building the next generation of nuclear power, combining proven technology with new ways of working to deliver safe, reliable and affordable low‑carbon energy. Our mission‑led teams are shaping how regulated manufacturing can be done better, smarter and with long‑term impact.

You’ll join a small, growing Manufacturing / Process Engineering team with big accountability and influence. The team partners closely with design, operations and regulatory stakeholders to translate complex requirements into robust, usable manufacturing processes that enable confident delivery in a nuclear environment.

We’re looking for a Senior Process Manufacturing Engineer to join our Manufacturing / Process Engineering function, reporting into the Manufacturing Methods Team Lead. This is a high‑impact role with real ownership, where you’ll shape how manufacturing processes, procedures and standards are defined and embedded from the ground up.

Key Deliverables

• Own and author core manufacturing procedures, SOPs and work instructions that underpin safe, compliant delivery.
• Translate highly regulated requirements into clear, practical manufacturing controls that teams actually use.
• Embed Right First Time and build‑in‑quality principles across manufacturing processes and documentation.
• Continuously improve processes through feedback, lessons learned and regulatory alignment.

This is a visible, trusted role for someone who wants real ownership, enjoys accountability, and is motivated by building lasting manufacturing capability in a safety‑critical environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Hands‑on manufacturing or production experience within a highly regulated industry (e.g. nuclear, aerospace, medical).
• Proven experience authoring and governing manufacturing processes, procedures or standards within a structured management system.
• Strong understanding of quality, Right First Time principles and manufacturing process definition.
• The ability to write clear, concise, plain‑English documentation suitable for point‑of‑use deployment.

Location & Ways of Working

This role can be based in Derby, Warrington or Manchester, with flexibility on location and working patterns. Occasional on‑site or stakeholder engagement may be required, aligned to business need.

What’s In It For You

• Salary: £50,600 - £65,000
• Benefits allowance: £2,200
• Bonus: 12.5% opportunity
• Pension: 6x pensionable life assurance & 50% income protection
• Holiday: 28 days plus bank holidays
• Extras: £250 new‑joiner payment, flexible and part‑time working options available.

You’ll also gain exposure to regulatory engagement, long‑term progression opportunities as the business grows in 2026, and the chance to shape how manufacturing is done across the organisation.

Selection Process

Our process typically includes a technical, skills‑based interview followed by a strengths and approach‑focused interview. We aim to move quickly and keep you informed throughout.

Inclusion Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity of thinking, background and experience. If you meet around 75% of the requirements, we encourage you to apply and start a conversation with us. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process where needed.

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.

We are Rolls-Royce SMR. A career with 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.

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. 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.

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 can thrive.

What we offer

At Rolls-Royce SMR, our reward offering is focused on recognising you for your efforts and motivate you to continue achieving. Our rewards and benefits scheme are designed for employees to have complete control. By providing complete autonomy, you can focus on what’s important to you. Whether it’s investments, insurances or wellbeing, it’s in your hands.