Lead Engineer C-ME - GBN

Lead Engineer C-ME - GBN

Full-Time 60000 - 78750 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Rolls-Royce SMR

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering projects for clean nuclear energy, ensuring customer needs are met.
  • Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in innovative clean energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, flexible working, and generous holidays.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with strong career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking team shaping the future of energy.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78750 £ per year.

  • Pay Range
  • £60,000.00
  • Location
  • Hybrid | Derby, Warrington or Manchester
  • Our Mission

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we're delivering a new generation of clean nuclear energy.

Our Small Modular Reactor technology has the potential to provide secure, affordable, low‑carbon power for decades to come, helping countries meet growing energy demands while supporting net‑zero ambitions.

Join us and you'll play a part in one of the UK's most exciting engineering programmes, working alongside talented people who are shaping the future of energy.

The Team

You'll join the Components & Mechanical Equipment (C&ME) function, responsible for the mechanical systems and equipment that make up a Rolls-Royce SMR power station.

Reporting to the Assistant Chief Design Engineer, you'll work closely with Customer Project teams, engineering leaders and Integrated Product Teams, helping to ensure customer requirements are translated into clear, achievable and well-prioritised delivery plans.

As customer projects continue to grow, this role will play a key part in balancing project‑specific needs with our long‑term product strategy.

The Role

We are recruiting for two positions within our Customer Projects team, supporting two strategically important programmes: CEZ and Great British Nuclear (GBN).

While the responsibilities are the same, each role will be aligned to a different customer project.

Candidates only need to submit one application.

As Lead Engineer for Customer Projects, you'll be the link between our Customer Project organisation and the Components & Mechanical Equipment team.

You'll bring structure to complex technical and programme requirements, ensuring customer demand is clearly understood, prioritised and deployed across the right engineering teams.

Working across a matrix organisation, you'll build alignment between stakeholders, maintain visibility of delivery commitments and influence decisions that support both programme success and product standardisation.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced engineer who enjoys combining technical understanding with stakeholder engagement, programme coordination and problem‑solving.

  • What We’ll Need You To Do
  • Act as the primary interface between Customer Project teams and Components & Mechanical Equipment, ensuring requirements are clearly understood and translated into deliverable work packages.
  • Coordinate customer‑led demand across Integrated Product Teams, establishing priorities, delivery commitments and resource requirements.
  • Build strong relationships across engineering, programme and commercial functions to align stakeholders around shared objectives.
  • Provide visibility of progress, risks and dependencies, supporting proactive decision‑making and effective issue resolution.
  • Influence customer requirements and engineering solutions to maximise standardisation and minimise unnecessary bespoke design.
  • Apply your technical understanding of complex mechanical systems to support prioritisation, challenge assumptions and guide delivery decisions.
  • Drive continuous improvement in how customer projects and engineering teams work together, improving efficiency and delivery performance.
  • What You’ll Bring
  • Degree‑qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
  • Significant experience within a complex engineering environment, ideally spanning both technical delivery and project‑facing responsibilities.
  • Experience working with mechanical equipment, engineered products or complex systems within a regulated industry.
  • The ability to influence stakeholders, build consensus and deliver outcomes within a matrix organisation.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex requirements into clear and actionable plans.
  • Experience managing competing priorities and maintaining delivery focus in a fast‑paced programme environment.
  • A proactive, collaborative approach and a willingness to challenge constructively in pursuit of the best outcome.

At Rolls‑Royce SMR, we know there is no such thing as the perfect candidate.

If you meet around 75% of the requirements and are excited by the opportunity to shape the future of clean energy, we'd love to hear from you.

Location

This role can be based at our Derby, Warrington or Manchester offices, with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.

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, and the role may develop further as the programme grows.

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 4 days
  • Private Medical Insurance – BUPA single cover
  • Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay
  • Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters
  • Pay Range
  • £60,000.00
    £78,750.00

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
  • #hybridworking #engineeringjobs #weare SMR
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Lead Engineer C-ME - GBN employer: Rolls-Royce SMR

As a Senior Layout and Assemblies Engineer at Rolls-Royce SMR, you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to delivering clean, affordable energy solutions. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances. Our hybrid working model supports work-life balance, while our commitment to inclusivity ensures a welcoming environment for all backgrounds.

Rolls-Royce SMR

Contact Details:

Rolls-Royce SMR Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer C-ME - GBN

Join Engineering Meetups!

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Engage with Online Communities

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Apply Through Company Websites

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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer C-ME - GBN

Mechanical Engineering
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Coordination
Technical Understanding of Mechanical Systems
Problem-Solving
Communication Skills
Prioritisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Engineer C-ME - GBN, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Rolls-Royce SMR a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Rolls-Royce SMR specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

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

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Rolls-Royce SMR, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Rolls-Royce SMR want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.