Lead C&I Engineer - Physical Integration

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 and monitoring systems across the power station. These systems underpin reactor safety, plant operation, and integration of both safety‑classified and non‑classified C&I systems. C&I engineering ensures compliance, quality and architectural coherence across the complete plant design.

As a Lead C&I Engineer – Physical Integration, you will provide technical expertise across the full lifecycle of C&I systems with a specific focus on physical integration, installation definition, panel engineering and cable management. You will develop detailed technical specifications, support design reviews, ensure compliance with relevant standards, and guide the integration of C&I systems within the wider plant architecture. You will work with process, mechanical, systems and layout engineering teams to ensure all physical C&I elements are coordinated effectively, including cable routing, panel design, instrument location, ancillary equipment, installation requirements and commissioning readiness. This role is highly collaborative and fundamental to ensuring that C&I systems are safe, buildable, verifiable and compliant.

Responsibilities

• Produce standards and specifications for control panels, ancillary equipment, cable management, instrument datasheets, wiring schedules, installation, commissioning and test procedures.
• Develop C&I architecture, I/O lists, loop diagrams, cause‑and‑effect logic and detailed design drawings.
• Work with the Layout team to ensure all C&I cables and routing requirements are accurately represented in the 3D model.
• Apply IEC 61513 for safety‑related systems and support the safety case with substantiation and evidence.
• Conduct design reviews, HAZOP, FMEA, FAT/SAT and integration testing activities.
• Maintain configuration control and requirements traceability across all C&I physical integration packages.
• Apply cybersecurity principles (IEC 62645) in the design of secure digital I&C systems.
• Evaluate smart devices and their interaction with SCADA, HVAC, security, data logging and other plant systems.
• Collaborate with other C&I teams, system owners, safety case teams, supply chain, commissioning and vendor organisations.
• Support procurement and obsolescence management through robust technical input.
• Lead problem‑solving activities and provide expert technical guidance for physical C&I design integration.
• Support installation, commissioning and operational readiness during project delivery.

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:

• Proven experience across the design and implementation lifecycle of C&I systems in highly regulated sectors such as Nuclear, Defence, Aerospace, Rail, Automotive or Oil & Gas, with an understanding of system and component qualification principles.
• Strong knowledge of C&I system physical integration, including panel design, cabling, termination, routing, junction boxes, instrumentation and detailed installation documentation.
• Experience across the full lifecycle of safety‑or process‑critical C&I systems including specification, design, verification, testing, installation, commissioning and maintenance.
• Knowledge of installation and commissioning of electrical, control and instrumentation systems.
• Strong understanding of designing systems resilient to faults (redundancy, diversity, defensive design principles).
• Practical knowledge of standards including IEC 61513, IEC 61226, IEC 61508, BS 7671, BS 7430, BS 62305 and related codes.
• Familiarity with standards such as BS 60709, BS 5839, BS 62061, BS 13849 and associated safety, electrical and environmental qualification requirements.
• Understanding of ATEX, DSEAR, radiation control measures and environmental design constraints.
• Experience supporting safety assessments, assurance activities and regulatory engagement.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including interactions with gas, water, chemical, fire protection, HVAC and mechanical handling systems.
• Strong systems engineering and V&V capability, including HAZOP, FMEA, FAT/SAT and traceability management.
• Strong communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• Degree‑qualified in electrical, control or instrumentation engineering, or equivalent professional experience.

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds and levels of experience across regulated high‑integrity industries.

Location

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

Salary and Package

The salary band for this role is 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

• 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 shortlisting 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. If you are considering a career move or a sector‑jump, we welcome your application.

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.