Lead C&I Engineer (Information & Communications Technology)

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.

About the Role

The Control & Instrumentation (C&I) team is responsible for delivering safe, secure and technically robust control, protection, information and communications infrastructure across the power station. ICT systems are critical to safety, operations, resilience and regulatory compliance, enabling the secure flow of data, communications and plant information across the SMR facility. As a Lead C&I Engineer (ICT), you will provide technical expertise across the full lifecycle of communication and information systems for the SMR nuclear power plant. This includes the design and implementation of all telephony (analogue, digital, SIP and unified communications), radio and broadcast communications, and IT data networks (LAN, WAN, Wi‑Fi, SDN/SD‑WAN) required to support power station operation. You will develop system and network architectures, lead subsystem design, specify and select components, and support final integration to deliver the fully verified ICT system design. You will work closely with C&I teams, SMR Security, engineering functions across the plant and Corporate IT to ensure secure, aligned and high‑integrity solutions. Your role ensures that ICT systems are cyber‑secure, compliant with relevant standards and capable of supporting safe and effective station operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of ICT, telephony, radio, broadcast and data network systems
• Translate high‑level functional requirements into robust technical specifications
• Collaborate with C&I, security and engineering teams to ensure integrated system solutions
• Substantiate that communication and information system designs meet all functional, regulatory and operational requirements
• Ensure compliance with ICT, cyber and safety‑related standards (including IEC 62443)
• Produce verification and validation plans for ICT systems
• Support ICT lifecycle processes and design governance activities
• Provide technical oversight of suppliers and act as an intelligent customer
• Mentor and guide less‑experienced engineers
• Lead the delivery of ICT programmes and coordinate cross‑disciplinary technical work
• Engage effectively with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure robust and secure system architectures

Key Skills Required

We know there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect’ candidate. If you meet around 75% of the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you:

• Previous experience within the nuclear industry is preferable. However, we welcome applicants with a proven record in designing and implementing communication and information systems in highly regulated or high‑security environments such as Nuclear, Defence, Aerospace or complex enterprise operations
• Deep knowledge and experience across the lifecycle of ICT systems, including conceptualisation, specification, design, testing, installation, commissioning and maintenance
• Expertise in one or more of the following, with strong understanding across related areas:
• Telephony and unified communications
• Radio and broadcast communications (TETRA, DMR, P25, LTE/MCX advantageous)
• Data networking (LAN, WAN, Wi‑Fi, SD‑WAN/SDN, data‑centre networking)
• Network security architecture and ICT cyber resilience
• Network management platforms and remote‑access technologies
• Strong understanding of designing robust, resilient systems with redundancy, diversity and hazard‑mitigation considerations
• Practical experience applying ICT and cyber‑security standards (e.g., IEC 62443)
• Ability to assess and apply emerging technologies appropriately to the SMR context
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills, able to explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Ability to challenge suppliers and validate technical requirements and solutions
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership and discharge the intelligent customer role
• Degree‑qualified in engineering or a relevant technical discipline; familiarity with key vendors (e.g., Cisco, Siemens, Mitel, Motorola, Fortinet) is advantageous

Location

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

Salary and Package

The salary band for this will be between £63,600–£83,500 dependent on the skills, values, and knowledge you bring. There may be some flexibility with the starting salary in exceptional cases, and, in due course, there is the potential for you to develop the role further.

Benefits Include

• Bonus – Performance‑related target opportunity
• 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 ability to buy or sell up to 4 days
• Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
• Life Assurance – 6x pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Selection Process

The closing date for this role is 30th March 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, followed by short‑listing and first‑round interviews shortly after.

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. 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