At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative equipment for clean energy nuclear power stations.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in low-carbon nuclear technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and health insurance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future of sustainable energy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; engineering design experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 55150 £ per year.
Location: Derby / Manchester / Warrington (Hybrid)
Our Mission
At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we are transforming the future of clean energy. Our mission is to deliver affordable, low‑carbon nuclear power on a global scale through innovative Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. By combining world‑class engineering with digital innovation, we are enabling a new era of sustainable energy—powering communities and supporting the transition to net zero.
The Team
You will join our growing Nuclear Plant Support Equipment (PSE) team within the Components & Mechanical Equipment function. This is a newly evolving team supporting the design and delivery of equipment used across installation, commissioning, maintenance, and decommissioning phases of our SMR programme. Working alongside a mix of experienced and developing engineers, as well as multidisciplinary teams and supply chain partners, you’ll be part of a collaborative environment focused on delivering innovative solutions at pace. With significant growth planned, this is an opportunity to shape both the team and the future of nuclear plant support equipment.
The Role
As an Engineer – Nuclear Plant Support Equipment, you will support the design and delivery of critical equipment that enables the installation, operation, maintenance (including outages) and decommissioning of SMR power stations. You will contribute across the full engineering lifecycle—from early concept development through to detailed design, substantiation, and delivery. This role offers exposure to complex, highly regulated engineering work, giving you the opportunity to build capability while contributing to the integration of plant‑wide systems and equipment.
What We’ll Need You To Do
- Deliver plant support equipment design tasks including calculations, CAD models, drawings, and technical documentation
- Support the definition and scoping of new equipment requirements across the plant lifecycle
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g. layout, stress, thermal, supply chain) to develop integrated engineering solutions
- Contribute to design reviews, technical discussions, and stakeholder engagement activities
- Produce accurate, high‑quality documentation to support engineering decisions and regulatory compliance
- Apply structured engineering approaches including requirements traceability and configuration management
- Identify risks and technical issues early, supporting resolution and escalation where appropriate
- Support continuous improvement and digital engineering initiatives
- Develop an understanding of through‑life considerations such as installation, maintenance, and decommissioning
What You’ll Bring
- Degree, HND, or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
- Working towards Chartered Engineering status
- Experience delivering engineering design work, including calculations, analyses, CAD models, and drawings; ideally within complex or regulated industries
- The ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and communicate technical issues clearly
- Experience producing documentation to substantiate designs in line with governance, safety, or regulatory expectations
- Awareness of requirements management and configuration control, with the ability to support traceability and structured engineering decision‑making
- Understanding of engineering lifecycle considerations, including how design decisions impact installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, cost, and schedule
What’s In It For You
- Salary £42,000 – £55,150 DOE plus performance‑related bonus target of 12.5%
- Benefits Allowance £2,200 per annum to create a bespoke package
- Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
- Holidays – 28 days holiday plus public holidays, and the ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
- Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover health care
- Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
- £250 one‑off payment for new starters for home office purchases
Inclusion & Diversity
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is central to our culture, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are proud to be a Disability Confident organisation, committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We also welcome applications from individuals considering a sector move, particularly those with transferable experience from other regulated or safety‑critical industries.
Location
This role offers flexible hybrid working, with opportunities to be based in Derby, Manchester, or Warrington. Travel between sites may be required depending on project and collaboration needs.
Pay Range £42,000.00 – £55,125.00
Why Join Us?
- 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
Our Application Process
- 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
Engineer - Plant Support Equipment employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a flexible and inclusive working environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities for career advancement within our rapidly scaling business, particularly in the exciting field of clean energy technology. With a focus on diversity and continuous learning, we ensure that every team member feels valued and supported as they contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineer - Plant Support Equipment
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Rolls-Royce SMR love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Rolls-Royce SMR and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineer - Plant Support Equipment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Rolls-Royce SMR and the Engineer - Plant Support Equipment role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Rolls-Royce SMR.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Rolls-Royce SMR, making you a more appealing candidate.
