At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of reactor core performance and manage a team of performance engineers.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, revolutionising the nuclear industry with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a legacy project that shapes the future of safe nuclear energy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field; experience in reactor core performance required.
The predicted salary is between 63600 - 83500 € per year.
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.
The Core Design function is responsible for ensuring the SMR reactor core delivers safe, reliable and optimised performance across all operating conditions. Core Performance sits at the heart of this, bringing together reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance to define how the reactor operates in practice.
As Manager – Core Design & Performance, you will lead the development of reactor core performance across normal operation and selected fault conditions. Your scope will span multiple disciplines including reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance, ensuring a coherent and integrated approach to core analysis.
You will provide both technical and programme leadership for a team of analysts, defining direction, governance and delivery across a complex and safety‑critical design programme. You will be accountable for the validity of analytical methods, the robustness of performance assessments and the delivery of outputs aligned to environmental, safety, security and safeguards (E3S) principles.
You will play a leading role in shaping core analysis methodologies, tools and best practice, while ensuring outputs meet regulatory expectations and support the overall SMR design programme.
Responsibilities- Lead and drive development of reactor core performance across the SMR programme
- Manage and develop a team of performance engineers (typically 5–10 people)
- Define and deliver programme plans, milestones and schedules for core performance activities
- Provide technical leadership across reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and fuel performance
- Ensure the robustness and validity of analysis methods, models and tools
- Deliver performance analysis and support safety case development
- Define and manage verification, validation and uncertainty quantification approaches
- Establish and maintain quality assurance processes for analysis methodologies
- Manage risks, opportunities and technical issues across your scope
- Develop product cost estimates and manage technical performance attributes
- Apply robust governance processes aligned to programme requirements
- Engage with internal stakeholders, industry bodies and regulators
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE and regulatory standards
- Strong experience in reactor core performance, reactor physics or thermal hydraulics
- Deep understanding of pressurised water reactor (PWR) design, plant behaviour and operations
- Knowledge of nuclear safety case development and UK regulatory practices, including E3S principles (ALARP, BAT)
- Experience developing and applying advanced analysis methods and numerical tools
- Experience with core physics and thermal‑hydraulic modelling, including coupling of multi‑physics tools
- Experience developing analysis methodologies aligned to recognised good practice
- Familiarity with software development processes and quality assurance frameworks
- Proven track record of delivering complex technical programmes to time and budget
- Strong planning, organisation and risk‑management capability
- Excellent technical communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience leading teams, developing people and managing delivery
- Ability to influence and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Degree‑qualified in Nuclear Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline
- Chartered Engineer (or equivalent)
- Proven experience delivering complex nuclear or safety‑critical engineering programmes
Location: Hybrid working with one of the following as your primary site: Derby, Manchester or Warrington
Salary And Package- £63,600 – £83,500
- 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
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.
Manager - Core Design & Performance employer: Rolls-Royce SMR
At Rolls-Royce SMR, we are not just shaping the future of nuclear technology; we are creating a legacy. Our commitment to innovation is matched by our dedication to employee growth, offering robust training and development opportunities in a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With competitive benefits, including performance-related bonuses and a strong focus on safety and well-being, we provide an exceptional environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager - Core Design & Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Rolls-Royce SMR on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into reactor core performance topics. Brush up on your knowledge of thermal hydraulics and safety case development. We want to show them we’re not just interested, but passionate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help us articulate our experience in managing teams and delivering complex programmes confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can track our progress and stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager - Core Design & Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in reactor core performance and related fields. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, and how you’ve driven performance improvements.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still conveying your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR
✨Know Your Core
Make sure you have a solid understanding of reactor core performance, thermal hydraulics, and fuel performance. Brush up on the latest advancements in these areas and be ready to discuss how they relate to the role. This will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your approach to developing people and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
✨Understand Regulatory Expectations
Familiarise yourself with UK regulatory practices and E3S principles. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance with safety standards and how you’ve navigated regulatory challenges in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in engaging with internal stakeholders and industry bodies. Think of specific instances where you influenced decisions or collaborated across multidisciplinary teams, as this will be crucial for the role.
