Lead Engineer - Extra High Voltage (EHV) Systems in Derby

We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we’re doing something that’s never been done before. We’re revolutionising an industry. That’s a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

The Electrical Systems team is responsible for delivering safe, resilient and technically robust electrical infrastructure across the SMR power station. This includes the grid connection and transmission infrastructure that enables reliable connection to the wider electricity network. As part of this, Extra High Voltage (EHV) systems play a critical role in transferring power safely and efficiently between the SMR and the national grid.

As a Lead Engineer - Extra High Voltage (EHV) Systems you will be responsible for the technical specification, development, integration and delivery of EHV transmission and switchyard equipment associated with the SMR grid connection. Your scope will include 400kV switchgear, substations, busbar systems, instrument transformers, surge protection, earthing systems and associated transmission infrastructure. You will translate system-level requirements into robust component specifications and manage EHV equipment packages through the complete lifecycle, from requirements definition and supplier engagement through to manufacture, testing, installation, commissioning and final acceptance.

Acting as an Intelligent Customer, you will provide technical leadership to suppliers and engineering partners, ensuring solutions meet regulatory requirements, project standards, lifecycle performance expectations and grid connection obligations.

We’ll Need You To:

• Develop component requirements for EHV switchgear and transmission infrastructure
• Produce and manage EHV technical specifications and procurement documentation
• Define equipment ratings, insulation coordination requirements and fault-level requirements
• Support selection and evaluation of AIS and GIS switchgear solutions
• Review supplier calculations, designs and technical submissions
• Assess electrical clearances, earthing systems and operational philosophies
• Manage technical interfaces with transformers, protection systems, auxiliary electrical systems and civil infrastructure
• Support design reviews, gate reviews and technical governance activities
• Act as the technical owner for: Main grid connection switchgear, Main transformer bays, Bus couplers and bus sections, Grid interface equipment, Instrument transformers, Circuit breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing switches, Surge arresters, Busbar systems, Protection interfaces
• Support supplier selection, tender evaluation and technical clarification activities
• Undertake factory visits and manufacturing oversight activities
• Review FAT procedures, witness FATs where required and assess qualification evidence
• Identify and manage technical risks and support issue resolution throughout the lifecycle
• Coordinate activities across systems engineering, protection and control, civil, structural, procurement, construction, quality and safety functions

Key Skills Required:

• Experience in electrical power engineering within transmission, utilities, substations or EHV infrastructure projects
• Knowledge of EHV systems including: Circuit breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing switches, Current and voltage transformers, Surge arresters, Busbar systems, Earthing systems, Protection interfaces
• Experience supporting or delivering AIS and/or GIS installations
• Experience developing technical specifications and procurement documentation
• Experience reviewing supplier designs and providing technical oversight
• Understanding of transmission system design, insulation coordination and fault-level assessments
• Knowledge of grid connection requirements and substation design principles
• Knowledge of power system studies and electrical modelling approaches
• Understanding of relevant standards such as: IEC 62271, IEC 60071, IEC 61936, IEC 62305, ENA specifications, National Grid requirements, Grid Code obligations
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience acting as an Intelligent Customer and managing supplier relationships
• Ability to provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams

We welcome applications from candidates within nuclear and other regulated industries including Energy, Utilities, Defence, Rail, Aerospace, Petrochemical and Oil & Gas sectors.

Qualifications:

Degree‑qualified in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Equivalent experience will also be considered.

Location: Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington.

Salary and Package:

The salary band for this role will be between £60,000 – £78,750 dependent on the skills, values and knowledge you bring. There may be flexibility in exceptional cases.

Benefits include:

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity up to 12.5%
• Benefits Allowance – £2,200 per annum for a bespoke package
• Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
• Holidays – 28 days (+ public holidays) with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Selection Process:

The closing date for this role is 5th October 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.

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.

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 has the opportunity to thrive.

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