Head of Structural Engineering

Head of Structural Engineering

Full-Time 85600 - 110700 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Rolls-Royce SMR

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead structural engineering teams to design safe, innovative structures for clean energy projects.
  • Company: Join a pioneering company focused on delivering affordable, low-carbon energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and a bespoke benefits package.
  • Other info: Flexible working, career growth opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of energy while leading a diverse team in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering with extensive leadership experience in complex projects.

The predicted salary is between 85600 - 110700 £ per year.

Locations: Hybrid working with primary location in Derby, Warrington or Manchester. Regular attendance at offices in Manchester, Warrington or Derby.

The Business: Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Our Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology provides a British solution to a global energy challenge. We are positioned to become a world leader in SMRs and the UK’s premier green export capability, shaping the future of low‑carbon power.

The Team: The Structural Engineering team delivers the high‑integrity structures that underpin our entire power station design. From reactor island structures capable of withstanding seismic and external hazards to complex conventional buildings, the team drives innovation, safety and integration across diverse programmes and site‑specific deployments.

Summary: We are seeking a Head of Structural Engineering to lead multiple specialist teams covering reactor island, conventional buildings and site‑specific structural design. This senior leader will define strategy, strengthen technical governance and ensure all structural solutions are safe, justified, compliant and fully integrated across our engineering programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leading strategy, ways of working and technical governance across all structural engineering domains.
  • Overseeing delivery of robust, justified and hazard‑resistant structural designs.
  • Developing capability and resilience within a large multidisciplinary team of staff and secondees.
  • Managing supply‑chain design contracts to ensure quality, integration and timely delivery.

Essential Skills / Qualifications:

  • A degree (or equivalent experience) in Structural, Civil or a related engineering discipline.
  • Extensive experience delivering structural design across the full lifecycle of complex nuclear or major infrastructure projects.
  • Proven senior leadership of large technical teams within uncertain and fast‑changing environments.
  • Experience engaging regulators, clients and cross‑functional teams to align design, delivery and safety case development.

Salary and Package:

  • Salary in the range of £85,600 to £110,700
  • Performance target bonus of 30%
  • Benefits Allowance – £8,500 per annum, enabling you to create a bespoke package
  • Pension – 12% employer and 6% employee contributions
  • 28 days holiday (+ public holidays) with 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

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.

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:

  • 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

Head of Structural Engineering employer: Rolls-Royce SMR

Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of clean energy innovation, where as the Head of Structural Engineering, you will lead a dynamic team in a hybrid working environment across Derby, Warrington, or Manchester. We offer a flexible and inclusive culture that prioritises employee growth, with opportunities for career advancement in a rapidly scaling business, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional development.

Rolls-Royce SMR

Contact Details:

Rolls-Royce SMR Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Structural Engineering

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in nuclear or infrastructure projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their Small Modular Reactor technology and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about clean energy!

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are excited about joining our mission to deliver clean, affordable energy for all.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Structural Engineering

Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Project Management
Technical Governance
Hazard-Resistant Design
Leadership
Regulatory Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Structural Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in nuclear or major infrastructure.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about clean energy and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Don't forget to mention your experience with multidisciplinary teams!

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to demonstrate your technical knowledge and experience in structural design. We want to see how you've tackled complex challenges and ensured safety and compliance in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our mission to deliver clean, affordable energy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your structural engineering knowledge, especially around nuclear and major infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and deliver robust designs.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Structural Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare to talk about how you've managed large technical teams in fast-changing environments and how you've engaged with regulators and clients to align on safety and design.

Understand the Company’s Mission

Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission to deliver clean, affordable energy. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of becoming a world leader in Small Modular Reactors.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current projects, team dynamics, and how they approach innovation and safety in structural design. This will not only demonstrate your enthusiasm but also help you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.