At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead geotechnical design and ensure safety for innovative energy projects.
- Company: Join a pioneering company focused on clean, affordable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and health insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the green energy sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in geotechnical engineering and a collaborative mindset are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50650 - 66500 £ per year.
Locations: Hybrid working with your primary office location being whichever is closest to you: Derby, Warrington or Manchester.
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) provides a British solution to a global energy crisis. We are in pole position to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export technology.
The Ground Engineering team plays a vital role in enabling site-specific deployment of our SMR technology. Combining geotechnical engineering, geological insight, and nuclear safety principles, the team delivers innovative, integrated solutions that underpin critical infrastructure across complex, multidisciplinary programmes.
In this context, we are looking for a Senior Engineer – Geotechnical to support our growing Ground Engineering team across key programmes including GBE-N and ČEZ. Working within a collaborative and technically demanding environment, you will play a central role in delivering and assuring geotechnical design solutions that are fundamental to the safety, constructability, and performance of our SMR projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the review, coordination, and production of geotechnical designs (e.g. foundations, earthworks, retaining walls), reporting, and technical assurance and validation of safety-critical designs, including integration of generic and site-specific solutions and review of programme-wide deliverables.
- Managing the scope, specification, supervision, and interpretation of Ground Investigations and factual geotechnical design development on multi-disciplinary projects, including oversight of external consultants and third-party suppliers.
- Supervising and mentoring junior engineers, and working closely with interfacing disciplines (including hazards, structural, civil, and constructability teams) to deliver integrated design solutions.
Candidates shall have a background in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology, with demonstrable experience in the analysis and design of geotechnical and foundation solutions. Experience in the nuclear sector or other highly regulated environments involving safety-critical infrastructure is desirable, but not essential.
The role requires a strong understanding of multidisciplinary design interfaces, a collaborative approach, and the ability to demonstrate the robustness and technical validity of solutions in support of safe and efficient design development.
In addition, the following are desirable attributes for the role:
- Experience of working on large infrastructure projects in the UK.
- A valid driving licence and willingness to travel to site.
What you’ll bring
This is a technically demanding and high-impact role, and you’ll bring strong engineering judgement, attention to detail, and the confidence to challenge and validate complex solutions within a regulated environment, alongside:
- Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership, or equivalent demonstrable experience in geotechnical engineering or engineering geology.
- Strong knowledge of geotechnical analysis, foundation design, earthworks, retaining structures, and relevant standards such as Eurocode 7.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary environments, contributing to integrated design and embedding health and safety considerations (e.g. CDM 2015).
Location
This role offers flexible working; however, regular attendance at a UK office will be required to support programme delivery, governance, and stakeholder engagement.
What’s in it for you
We anticipate paying a salary of between £50,650-£66,500. Bonus - Performance related target opportunity 7%. 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.
Selection process
We aim to update applicants within 1–2 weeks of application. The process will include an initial conversation followed by two interview stages. Due to the nature of our work, successful candidates will be required to undertake BPSS clearance, DBS checks, and financial probity screening.
Our commitment
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is fundamental to our culture, and we are committed to fair and accessible recruitment practices. We are a Disability Confident organisation and will make reasonable adjustments where needed.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back — but there’s no such thing as a perfect candidate. If you feel you meet around 75% of the requirements, we’d love to hear from you.
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. A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
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.
Locations
Senior Engineer – Geotechnical in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
Join a pioneering organisation dedicated to delivering clean, affordable energy through innovative Small Modular Reactor technology. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, we offer a flexible working environment across our Derby, Warrington, and Manchester offices, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and opportunities for career advancement in a rapidly evolving sector. Our collaborative culture values diversity and continuous learning, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineer – Geotechnical in Cheshire, Warrington
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If you've got hands-on experience from university projects or internships, make sure to highlight that. Employers in geoscience love practical skills. Consider creating a portfolio showcasing your fieldwork or any research projects you’ve been a part of.
✨Utilise Research Publications
Stay up to date with the latest research in geosciences by diving into journals or attending conferences. Not only will this make you more knowledgeable, but it can also provide talking points in interviews and even lead to job opportunities through academic connections.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website!
When you find a role like Senior Engineer – Geotechnical at Rolls-Royce SMR, apply directly on our website! Tailor your application to highlight your specific skills and experiences in geoscience. Remember, being specific can really set you apart!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineer – Geotechnical in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills in Geoscience:When you're drafting your CV, make sure to highlight specific geoscience skills and experiences. Whether it’s fieldwork, data analysis, or modelling software you’ve used, these details can set you apart. We love to see practical experience, so don't shy away from discussing any projects or research that relate directly to the earth sciences!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine:Your cover letter for a full-time geoscience position should scream passion for the field! Let us know why you're excited about working at Rolls-Royce SMR and how your skills align with what we're looking for. Mention any relevant coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your journey in geoscience.
Certifications Matter!:In the geoscience sector, having relevant certifications can give your application an extra edge. If you have any geological or environmental certifications, or even training in software like GIS, make sure to list them prominently. It not only highlights your commitment but also shows that you're equipped with the knowledge required for the role.
Detailed Project Portfolio:For a full-time role, it's super helpful to include a project portfolio if you've worked on significant geoscience projects. This could include research papers, fieldwork summaries, or even visual data representations. We love seeing how you've applied your skills in real-world situations, so make it easy for us to see your achievements!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Show Your Technical Prowess
In geoscience, you'll likely face some technical questions related to geology, geophysics, or GIS tools. Brush up on the fundamental concepts and be prepared to talk about any software you’ve used, like ArcGIS or MATLAB, and how you applied them in your previous projects or studies.
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As a full-time candidate, showing genuine enthusiasm for geoscience can set you apart. Think about what excites you most in this field, whether it's climate change, natural resources, or environmental conservation. Be ready to discuss what draws you to Rolls-Royce SMR and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Stay Curious and Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your keen interest in ongoing research or specific projects at Rolls-Royce SMR. This stays in line with the collaborative nature of geoscience; it shows that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely interested in being part of a team that explores and solves real-world problems.