At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in developing innovative reactor core design solutions.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous holiday, and bespoke benefits package.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of low-carbon power and energy security.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience leading large teams in nuclear design.
The predicted salary is between 71000 - 93200 £ per year.
Location: Flexible (UK – with regular travel to Derby, Warrington and Manchester)
Our Mission
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are transforming the future of clean energy. Our small modular reactor technology will provide affordable, low-carbon power at scale, supporting global decarbonisation and energy security. We are building a world-class engineering capability to deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious programmes.
The Team
You will join our Nuclear Core Engineering function at a pivotal stage of growth. The Core Design team sits at the centre of reactor development, responsible for the integrated design of the reactor core and its performance. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 30 engineers and analysts, through a layer of experienced managers, within a wider core organisation of approximately 60 specialists. The team works closely with systems engineering, safety, and wider reactor design teams to deliver complex, high-integrity engineering solutions.
The Role
As Senior Manager – Core Design, you will lead the development and integration of reactor core design solutions, ensuring technical excellence, programme delivery, and regulatory compliance. Operating at the intersection of design, analysis, and systems engineering, you will shape how requirements are defined, evaluated, and realised across the reactor core. With accountability for both technical direction and programme governance, you will play a key role in influencing strategic decisions and ensuring delivery of a robust, licensable design.
What We’ll Need You to Do
- Lead large multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver core design and analysis programmes
- Define and drive integrated reactor core design solutions, including physics analysis and system-level optimisation
- Establish and manage design requirements, ensuring robust verification and validation
- Own technical governance, including review, validation, and approval of engineering outputs
- Develop and manage programme plans, milestones, and delivery schedules
- Oversee supply chain technical delivery, including external analysis contracts
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements
- Chair technical and programme governance forums including risk and design reviews
- Drive continuous improvement in engineering methods and ways of working
- Build, develop and coach high-performing teams
What You’ll Bring
- Degree in a relevant engineering discipline and Chartered Engineer (or equivalent)
- Proven experience leading large engineering teams (10–30+ people)
- Strong background in nuclear design, reactor core design, physics analysis or similar
- Experience delivering complex engineering programmes in regulated environments
- Systems engineering awareness, including requirements management and integration
- Knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks and safety case development (ALARP, BAT)
- Experience managing external partners and technical delivery contracts
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder influencing skills
- Collaborative, proactive and delivery-focused mindset
What’s in It for You
We anticipate paying a salary of between £71,000 - £93,200.00 DOE plus:
- Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 17%
- Benefits Allowance – £5000 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
Senior Manager – Core Design in Warrington employer: Rolls Royce SMR Ltd.
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of clean energy. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities and a supportive environment where multidisciplinary teams thrive. With competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and performance-related bonuses, working in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington not only positions you at the forefront of nuclear engineering but also ensures a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
