Lead Specialist - Analysis Software Development

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.

Rolls‑Royce SMR requires engineering analysis capability across a broad range of technical disciplines including structural analysis, thermo‑fluid analysis, electrical systems analysis and many more. Software plays an increasingly vital role in automating analysis methods, streamlining data transfer between disciplines and enabling multi‑disciplinary analysis workflows that would otherwise be impractical. Today, many of these solutions are delivered using Python‑based tools, democratising engineering software development across the organisation. Looking ahead, AI‑enabled tools and more advanced approaches will play a growing part in achieving higher accuracy, lower cycle times and greater efficiency across the analysis lifecycle.

As the Lead Specialist – Analysis Software Development, you will provide technical leadership for the creation and development of software solutions that support engineering analysis across the organisation. You will set the strategy for how RR‑SMR develops analysis‑related software, ensuring robust tools, efficient workflows and consistent quality assurance. You will act as the company’s technical authority for engineering analysis software, ensuring all internally developed or supply‑chain‑developed tools meet the highest standards of quality, reliability and governance. You will identify key areas where software solutions can drive major efficiency and capability gains and lead these improvements across RR‑SMR. A key part of this role is capability building: coaching, mentoring and upskilling engineers undertaking software development, helping them to apply good development practice and ensuring consistent, high‑quality outputs across engineering.

We’ll Need You To

• Provide technical leadership for software development that supports analysis across engineering disciplines
• Develop the strategy, tools, processes and guidance required for high‑quality engineering software development
• Act as the technical authority responsible for the quality of all analysis‑related software created internally or by supply‑chain partners
• Identify major opportunities for efficiency and quality improvements across analysis workflows and lead initiatives to deliver them
• Build organisational capability in engineering software development through coaching, mentoring and training
• Drive continuous improvement by incorporating lessons learned into updated standards, processes and toolsets
• Support complex and ambiguous problem‑solving activities across analysis domains
• Engage with external forums, research communities and industry groups, positively representing RR‑SMR
• Influence and shape RR‑SMR’s long‑term strategy for engineering software development, including the use of AI and advanced digital approaches
• Work collaboratively with specialists across the Engineering Specialist Taxonomy to support cross‑domain challenges and integration

Key Skills Required

• Strong background developing software to automate or streamline engineering analysis methods (Python or similar)
• Deep knowledge of good practice, external standards and quality principles for engineering software development
• Passion for using software to improve efficiency, accuracy and repeatability in engineering analysis
• Understanding of engineering analysis workflows and user needs across multiple disciplines
• Experience applying quality management principles to engineering tools, methods and software workflows
• Ability to provide robust technical oversight for software developed internally or by suppliers
• Experience establishing governance processes for controlled technical oversight
• Ability to coach, mentor and support engineers developing software solutions
• Ability to deliver formal training to upskill engineering teams in software methods and best practice
• Ability to represent RR‑SMR externally, including with customers, regulators or industry bodies
• Strong awareness of industry trends, digital advancements and AI‑driven opportunities
• Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or related discipline
• Chartered or actively working toward Chartership

We welcome candidates from a broad range of sectors including nuclear, aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, software engineering and other high‑integrity industries.

Location

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

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 some flexibility in exceptional cases, and the role may evolve as the organisation grows.

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 – 6× pensionable pay
• Home Office Support – £250 one‑off payment for new starters

Selection Process

The closing date for this role is 20th April 2026. The process will begin with an introductory call with the Talent Acquisition Partner, with interviews being able to take place straight away.

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